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Fundraising to benefit SVMA

This year, the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art raises funds with all the cosmopolitan excitement of the Las Vegas Strip, plus an ongoing series of house parties and a caviar-laden art auction.

"This really puts the 'fun' back into fundraising," said Kate Eilertsen, museum executive director. "Last year, our Wet Paint fundraiser took us to Paris. This year, it's a trip to cosmopolitan Las Vegas that highlights a summer full of exciting events to support the museum. "

On Saturday, Sept. 10, the museum again sponsors the annual Wet Paint Benefit Gala, this year themed "On The Strip" with the interior of the museum transformed into an upscale Las Vegas entertainment venue, complete with everything one expects from a trip to America's playground. Tickets are $250 a person and available now.

Throughout the summer, the museum celebrates the art of architecture, interior design and exceptional epicurean entertainment with a series of house parties entitled Great Places Great Spaces at the homes of museum supporters. Great Places Great Spaces shows the support of the local arts and philanthropic community as 10 Sonoma Valley families open their homes to host lunches, dinners and cocktail parties to raise money for the museum.

"This new idea has proved so popular, that all the house parties are nearly sold out," said Eilertsen.

On Saturday, June 11, the fundraising goes to the auction block for the Art Works art auction. Attendees will be able to bid on exclusive art offerings, including "Steel Watercolor Disc and Balls," a magnificent 11-foot tall sculpture by Fletcher Benton, which was one of the highlights of his recent exhibition at the museum. This would be a key addition to an outdoor sculpture collection or displayed in a high-ceiling indoor space. Other offerings include work by Guy Diehl and Sonoma's own Keith Wicks.

"Nowadays, with every nonprofit competing for funds in a recessionary economy, creativity is key," said Eilertsen. "So, instead of coming up with just one idea - we had three. We hope this season of artful fundraising will be three times as fun; and, of course, raise three times as much money."

The Sonoma Valley Museum of Art is located at 551 Broadway in Sonoma. Museum hours are Wednesdays through Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

More information about the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art is available at www.svma.org or by calling 939-7862.