ARTS

Celebrating Michigan's scenery: Battlefield sets fourth art gala, sale for March 31

Suzanne Nolan Wisler
The Monroe News
At last year’s “Beautiful Bountiful Michigan” Art Gala and Sale, the River Raisin National Battlefield Park Foundation purchased this piece, “Summer Twilight,” by local artist Gladys Drummonds. The Foundation plans to again purchase artwork at the 2023 event.

Several local artists and an area musician will be part of an art gala and sale planned for later this month at the River Raisin National Battlefield Park’s Visitor Center.

More than 150 art pieces showcasing Michigan's scenery will be on display from 6 to 9 p.m. March 31 as part of the “Scenic Michigan Art Gala and Sale” at the visitor center, 333 N. Dixie Highway.

At last year’s “Beautiful Bountiful Michigan” Art Gala and Sale, the River Raisin National Battlefield Park Foundation purchased this piece, “River Raisin,” by local artist Brandy Gerber. The Foundation plans to again purchase artwork at the 2023 event.

The event is sponsored by the River Raisin National Battlefield Park Foundation and is the fourth in a series of “Beautiful Bountiful Michigan” Art Galas and Sales. The third offering was held last March, and the theme was “Michigan Waters.”

“Last year's attendance was around 225 people,” Jami Keegan, chief of interpretation, education and volunteers at the park, said. “We have had a fantastic response from artists to exhibit the amazing art they have created.”

Tickets for this year’s event are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at www.battlefieldfoundation.org or at the Battlefield Visitor Center. Tickets include heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts and one glass of wine, beer or pop. A cash bar, raffles and live entertainment also will be featured. Proceeds will benefit the artists and educational programming at the battlefield park, said Darlene Belair of Monroe County, exhibition curator and artist.

At last year’s “Beautiful Bountiful Michigan” Art Gala and Sale, the River Raisin National Battlefield Park Foundation purchased this piece, “Otter Creek,” by local artist Brandy Gerber. The Foundation plans to again purchase artwork at the 2023 event.

The 2023 show piece will include landscapes of southeast Michigan. Several art mediums will be represented, including oil, watercolor, acrylic, wood burning, beaded, glass and more. There is a special category for historic landscapes of southeast Michigan.

“We're anticipating several artists from Monroe County, as well throughout Michigan and northwest Ohio,” Keegan said. “The ‘Scenic Michigan Art Gala & Sale’ is a great way to safely get out, enjoy seeing the remarkable art and spend relaxing time with friends or family. It is also a excellent way to purchase art to add color and beauty to your home or office.” 

Tony Marchese plays the violin at the 2017 Temperance Days event. Marchese will play the violin at the “Scenic Michigan Art Gala and Sale," set for March 31 in Monroe.

Among the live entertainment will be a violin performance by local musician Tony Marchese.

Event sponsors are DTE Energy, La-Z-Boy Foundation, First Merchants Bank, Richard and Jeanne Micka, Monroe County Historical Society, Hassett Title Co., Gateway Chiropractic, Friendly Ford, Michael LaHote of Ribbons of Monroe, Robert and Val Clark, Doug and Diane Chaffin, Donald and Lorna Lieto, and Molly and Todd Coy.