2 Nights, 2 Charity Events, 2 Hangovers

Despite the fact that I had planned on "drinking in moderation" at both the Works of Heart auction and TAP Gala, I got so caught up in the excitement each night that I enjoyed a couple of more cocktails than I should. I guess that’s the true sign of a successful charity event - enjoying the atmosphere so much that you can’t help but over-indulge on the drinks and on the artwork! Both nights were truly fabulous and raise a lot of money!

Friday night was Works of Heart for Family Service and Guidance Center of Topeka (FSGC). The event featured silent and live auctions, wine, dinner, and lots of budding young artists from FSGC. A fellow local abstract artist (and good friend), Carrie Jo Gros, and her husband Dennis were at the same dinner table as Brandon and I. We were also joined by one of the FSGC artists named Breann, along with her father and grandmother. It was fantastic to hear how much FSGC had helped their family, and how it has been such a positive experience for Breann.

My piece, Cosmopolitan brought in $350, I think . . . it was auctioned off later in the evening, so my memory wasn’t the clearest! Brandon and I also purchased "Crazy Grass" an anonymous painting created by one of the FSGC artists. I love when we are financially able to participate on both sides of the auction - donating work and buying work!

Saturday night was the TAP Gala for the Topeka Aids Project. They also had silent and live auctions, an open bar, and a buffet full of hors d’ourves. Brandon and I started the night with a pre-event cocktail (or two) at Janel Crawshaw’s house, with our good friend (and designated driver) Josh Pattie. After we arrived at the Gala, we found seats next to another one of my good friends, Mike Breneman and his date Jennifer at the table sponsored by Penwell-Gabel.

Despite placing many bids, Brandon and I didn’t win anything! My piece "Blue Flower" was auctioned off for $350. I didn’t get a chance to meet the winning bidder, but I am hoping that TAP will send me their contact information so that I can send them a thank you note.

All in all, I’ve had an outstanding (albeit, a bit painful) weekend!  I am always grateful for the opportunity to support my community through my artwork! Although Brandon and I are still operating in "poor college kids" mode; through artwork donation, we are able to make our voices heard and support the causes we love the most!

Wine sampling at Grape Escape

Last night was Topeka Performing Arts Center’s (TPAC) 10th annual Grape Escape, a wine-tasting auction event to raise funds for TPAC. Brandon and I went, along with several of our friends. We had a great time and got to sample lots of different kinds of wine. I also had a painting, Deep Sea, that I had donated for the silent auction. The last time I saw the bid sheet, it was over $250.

Before we went to Grape Escape, we made a couple of First Friday stops. We stopped by Creative Art Photography & Gallery and saw a really nice show by Donna Rae Pearson. We also visited the Family Service and Guidance Center’s temporary exhibit in Westboro Mart to preview the artwork that will be up for auction at Works of Heart on August 17. It’s a really nice selection of all different types of artwork, including lots of great work by the children that participate in some of the programs that Family Service and Guidance Center offers.

Enjoy a Cosmopolitan at Works of Heart

Brandon and I attended a thank you reception tonight for the artists that donated artwork to the Family Service and Guidance Center for their Works of Heart art auction.  The event was held at Warehouse 414, located at 414 SE Madison.  I note the address now because I hadn’t jotted it down before we left for the reception . . .  and I thought I knew where we were going . . .  but I really didn’t . . . so Brandon and I drove around lost for about 25 minutes before we found it.  Well, 25 minutes before I broke down and called my dad for directions - thanks dad!

I decided to donate Cosmopolitan - one of my favorites from my "mixed drink" series. I’ve always liked the simplicity of the bold red waves. Hopefully it will bring in a high bid on auction night! 
The Works of Heart event will feature silent and live auctions complete with dinner service and complimentary wine.  It will be held at the Memorial Union Ballroom at Washburn University on August 17, from 6 - 9:30pm. Visit the Works of Heart website for all of the details!

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