Valley Center Art Gallery held its premiere fundraising event, sponsored by Cosmic Solar, on Sunday, June 26th at a board member’s private home whose property adjoins the Rancho Guejito. The views from the property were reminiscent of early California.
Over 85 guests attended to participate in a silent auction of 24 works of art donated by 16 local area artists. Some of the more recognizable artists’ works included those of: Joe Garcia, Cathy Carey, David Miller, Barbara Scharnau, Gloria Warren, Julie Schneider-Ljubenkov, Carolyn McGraw, Mike Adams, Judith Shadzi, Sandy Zelasko and more. George Speer of Dos Valles Garden Club added to the artistic ambiance with exceptional floral displays. Artwork ranged in price from $150-$3,000 per item. There was something for everyone.
Attendees enjoyed scrumptious canapés, sandwiches, steak tar-tar, shrimp and a variety of delectable delights. All food was supplied in part by Chef Will and Valley Center’s Country Junction Deli; desserts were offered by Jimbo’s. Musical entertainment was delightful and made available by Greg Douglass, guitarist and Sheldon Rosenbaum, pianist.
There was an on-going queue for the Rincon Reservation Road Brewery beer provided and poured by, Rik Mazzetti. The donated Rancho Guejito Vineyard wine was enjoyed by many with pure satisfaction and some remarked they planned on visiting the vineyard.
Guests arrived with anticipation and left with an over-the-top experience. In addition to the incredible art offerings, visitors received generous gift bags with items from Cosmic Solar, Valley Center Nursery, Six Goats, and Countryside Veterinary Hospital. Some lucky ticket holders went home with additional gifts from Pauma Vista Vineyards, Trader Joe’s, Oak Moon Kitchen and others. It was Christmas in June for everyone.
Bill Toone, Founder of ECOLIFE and his wife, Sunni Black were among the attending celebrities of the event. Toone’s newly released book, On the Wings of the Condor was another perk for guests who took home a complimentary autographed copy.
Two of the event guests’ remarks summed it up perfectly, “Valley Center Art Gallery’s Board of Directors proved to the community that the time has come to have our own art gallery. The experience today is one that you might expect to have in Rancho Santa Fe, but it’s right here! Bravo.” “Extraordinary…that’s how I would describe the Valley Center Art Gallery’s premiere fundraising event. Any group that can produce an event of this nature will realize the gallery.”
President, Jim Courter of the Valley Center Art Gallery proudly stated, “We trust that this event demonstrated to the community that we are serious, dedicated, connected and capable of establishing a much-needed art gallery for the Valley Center area and beyond.”
Valley Center Art Gallery Board of Directors is very grateful for the success of this event and for the on-going support of the community at large. Please visit their website, Valley Center Art Gallery to discover how you can volunteer, donate art or become a founding member, today. DONATE
