Regardless of what the environment is it always seems that art programs at schools or in the local community get slashed when the financial belt tightens. Even artists selling their paintings, sculptures and prints are hard hit in economic slumps because they thrive on discretionary spending which invariably dries up during these difficult financial times.
That’s all the more reason to enjoy a night out in support of our local arts community!
In three months the 7th Annual TPC/West Ranch Art & Wine Gala will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2014 at the Oaks Grille in the clubhouse at TPC Valencia. This is an incredible event that mixes great wines, stunning works of art and sumptuous food all in an exclusive evening of elegant fun. The TPC/West Ranch Art & Wine Gala is the event of the year in SCV!
The best part about it is that the local Santa Clarita Valley arts community will benefit immensely by the evening’s festivities and Art & Wine Auction. As planned, each year the event will evaluate local arts groups and will add new recipients based on the expected fundraising. This year’s beneficiaries of the fundraiser will include the Santa Clarita Ballet Company, The Canyon Theater Guild, the Joe Ranft/CalArts Alumni Scholarship Fund, The SCV Master Chorale, The Shakespeare Festival, COC PAC K-12 Arts Education Outreach Program, Sweets Kitchen at COC and CalArts Community Arts Partnership as well as other programs throughout our community. This Gala is the only charitable event that raises funds for many arts organizations at the same time here in the Santa Clarita Valley.
I for one am very excited about the evening as this event has really taken on a life of its own and is doing such good for the local arts community. It is an event that will continue to grow for many years to come and will continue to have an incredible impact on the budding local visual and performing artists. It is a thrill to be part of it and to have so many great partners involved.
What’s even more terrific is that the event has taken off with an awful lot of word of mouth. This year’s event is nearly 90% sold out and it is based on the experiences that people had during the first six events. The one aspect that everyone seems to relish is the exquisite meal that Oaks Grille Executive Chef Daniel Otto conjures up each year. As one of the organizers, I can tell you that we have given Chef Otto free reign to create a meal that he wants to do that will blow you away; after all it’s the culinary arts too!
To date, the annual TPC/West Ranch Art & Wine Gala has donated more than $500,000 to the local arts community in grants and scholarships. These donations have helped various arts groups to add performance for the community throughout the year and for students to be able to attend school programs. Those funds have contributed to the enrichment of our great community.
The arts are a vital part of a sturdy and robust community fabric. The Santa Clarita Valley can boost that it has a very strong and vibrant arts community because of the support and generosity of its residents.
I hope that you will come out and support the local arts groups in SCV! To see pictures of last year’s event click here: Art & Wine Gala Photos. For more information on attending click here: Art & Wine Gala Information
Dave Bossert- Commentary
Dave Bossert is a community volunteer who serves on a number of boards and councils. He has authored numerous columns and the recently published book Remembering Roy E. Disney: Memories and Photos of a Storied Life. His commentaries represent his own opinions and not necessarily the views of any organization he may be affiliated with or those of The SCV Beacon.
