EAT YOUR ART OUT! - A $12,000 SUCCESS

The Geneva Cultural Arts Commission is thrilled to report the success of Eat Your Art Out! held on February 20 at the Herrington Inn, as event Chair Alexia Monaco and Co-Chair Trish Tkach announce a $12,000 net profit benefiting the GCAC.  "Seeing EYAO! come to fruition was an extraordinary experience...so many talented and generous hands made the event possible.  We deeply appreciate the support from artists, sponsors and guests and already we are looking forward to next year!" Monaco said.  The gala benefit replaced the highly successful Dancing with Geneva Stars which ended a five year run last February, 2013.  For the first time in Geneva, art was paired with food and wine as Herrington Inn Executive Chef Jason Tsoris served a series of culinary masterpieces inspired by fine local art. Over 100 guests were welcomed by dancing ballerinas, a harpist, flutist and a custom crafted popcorn pallet, while perusing a fine silent auction table during the cocktail hour.  Guests were also able to view the featured artwork and chat with the artists. Following an art inspired four-course feast, including three wine pairings, Mayor Kevin Burns conducted a lively auction of the featured art as well as a live painting.

The GCAC extends heartfelt thanks to Featured Artists: Len Bielefeldt (Bielefeldt Gallery), Larry Johnson (LK Johnson Studio), Don & Ellen Ljung (Donellen Designs), Jan Schmuckal (Gallery 28) Special thanks to Executive Chef Jason Tsoris and Sommelier Mark Czubak for superb dining and wine pairings.

GCAC is most appreciative of our financial & in-kind sponsors including: ART lEADERS ($1,000): Down to Earth Pottery, Fox Valley eValues & Deals, Gallery 28, David & Alexia Monaco, Linda Cunningham & State Street Dance Studio, Dan & Trish Tkach.

ART ANGELS ($900): US Bank Private Client Group

ART PATRONS ($500): Herrington Inn & Spa, Town & Country Gardens, Theresa Jaeger, L. Ochsner, Stith Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Duncan & Nancy Wall.

ART SPONSORS ($250): Galena Garlic Company, Geneva Bank & Trust, Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Geneva Wine Cellars, Graham's Fine Chocolates & Ice Cream, Kernel's Gourmet Popcorn & More, Tom Lichtenheld, McDonald's of Geneva, Bruce & Paula Mendveld, Morrison Gallery.

ART LOVERS ($100): Art Box, Bob & Susan Darnall, Geneva History Center, Ray & Marikate Marchand, Maggiano's, Needle Things, Penrose Brewing Company, Richard Lewis & State Farm Insurance, Steve & Cathy Thatcher, TimeLine Theatre Company, Verve on Third.

Complementing the event and deserving a special thank you are Mayor Kevin Burns (auctioneer), Alyssa & Aydan Hensley (harpist & flutist) , Jan Schmuckal (live painter), State Street Dance Studio (dancers), Dennis & Silva Gramlich, Ray & Marikate Marchand.

Event profits enable the GCAC to continue supporting innovative and vibrant cultural arts nurturing an arts-focused community. For event information see www.genevarts.org