With ‘Roaring ’20s’ theme, event planned to be organization’s most important fundraiser of year
In March, Art Center Sarasota is bringing back its highly popular Beaux Arts Ball as its centennial season fundraising event, Art Center has announced.
The Beaux Arts Ball will take place on Saturday, March 21, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, which stands at 801 N. Tamiami Trail in downtown Sarasota, a news release notes.
Planned as a costume ball with a “Roaring ’20s” theme, this “is a must-attend cultural event” that will honor artistic legacy, celebrate Art Center Sarasota’s 100th anniversary and support “the future of art in our region,” the release points out.
From the moment guests arrive, the evening will unfold “as an immersive celebration of art, music, and performance, anchored by a dynamic jazz trio led by Los Angeles-based musician Ben Thomas, former lead singer of Zappa Plays Zappa,” the release continues. “Thomas’s extensive performance credits include collaborations with jazz legends George Duke and Chick Corea, as well as Aloe Blacc, Danny Carey (Tool), and Daniel Lanois,” the release adds.
“As the night continues, guests will be treated to a host of creative elements,” including the real-time creation of a large-scale painting, the release notes.
“Attendees are encouraged to embrace the creative spirit of the evening in 1920s-inspired, artfully imaginative attire, or festive formalwear,” the release says. Special recognition will be given “for standout looks,” it adds. “The evening will also feature dinner and a live auction alongside the jazz performance,” the release says. The celebration will conclude “with a high-energy finale, inviting guests onto the dance floor and into the night.”
Art Center Sarasota staff points out in the release that the Beaux Arts Ball will be the Center’s most important fundraiser this year, “generating vital support that keeps its galleries admission-free and its high-quality programming active six days a week.” The proceeds will fund exhibitions, scholarships, and accessible arts education for all ages,” the release adds.
“For a century, Art Center Sarasota, Sarasota’s first arts organization, has played a vital role in shaping the region’s cultural identity,” said Katherine Ceaser, executive director of Art Center Sarasota, in the release. “The Beaux Arts Ball celebrates not only the arts, but the extraordinary community of members and supporters whose generosity keeps our exhibitions, education programs, and artist initiatives possible while remaining admission-free,” Ceaser added. “We are truly thankful for their continued commitment.”
Tickets for the Beaux Arts Ball are “available with limited availability,” the release points out, adding, “They are expected to sell quickly,” so “early purchase is strongly encouraged.” The ticket price starts at $300, the release says, “with tables beginning at $2,400.”
To purchase tickets or to read more information, visit https://artsarasota.ejoinme.org/tickets.