By Samantha Gamez
In 1985, Marty McFly traveled back to his parents’ prom in 1955. This year, you can make the same trip (with or without a DeLorean) by attending the Arts Council of the Brazos Valley’s Celebrate the Arts fundraising event on Sept. 7.
Each year, the nonprofit organization sponsors Celebrate the Arts to provide funding to arts programs across the seven counties that make Brazos Valley. “[This] is the Arts Council’s main fundraiser, and we are bigger and better this year,” says Pam Smits, one of the co-chairs of Celebrate the Arts 2017.
Anually, the Arts Council provides close to half a million dollars in funding for local art organizations as well as scholarships awarded to graduating seniors entering a university arts program. Previous grant recipients include the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra, the Theatre Company, George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, MSC OPAS, and many other Brazos Valley curators of arts and culture. The funds raised from this event will be utilized for scholarships and to grow the impact of the arts in the community.
While this event is a fundraiser, it is also a time to recognize and celebrate local residents who have supported the arts. “[We] want to bring together the community to celebrate individuals in the [Brazos Valley],” says Smits, who is also the president-elect of the Arts Council.
This year’s recipients are Randy Wilson (posthumous) – Sonny Moss Artist of the Year; Ann and Barry Satterwhite – Volunteers of the Year; Julia and David Gardner – D.A. Andy Anderson Award; Tom Wilkinson – Jane Wolfe Distinguished Art Leadership Award; and Singleton Zimmer Haliburton Architects – Art Business Patron.
On the night of the event, guests will walk into 1985 before being transported back in time to 1955 like Marty McFly, says Smits. “There will be several surprises for guests that they need to attend to see,” she says. There will be theatrics throughout the event as well as surprise visitors. The Spazmatics are set to rock the night away. Come dressed in cocktail attire; outfits circa the 1950s and 1980s are welcome.
Celebrate the Arts will be held on Thursday, Sept. 7, at the Brazos County Expo. The event begins at 6pm and includes auctions, dinner, and dancing. Auction items include a week in Tuscany, a two-day stay at the Stella Hotel, and other local getaways. Table sponsorship and individual tickets are available to purchase at acbv.org.
There will also be a raffle for an original David Gardner-designed necklace. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the Arts Council or from individuals in the community. You do not need to be present to win the raffle, but this night is not to be missed.
