(Clinton, NJ) — A diamond, the traditional token of 60th anniversaries, will go home with one lucky guest when The Hunterdon Art Museum celebrates its Diamond Anniversary on Saturday, Sept. 22, from 6-9:30 pm, at the Museum.
At the Diamond ArtParty & Auction, jewelry pouches will adorn 100 champagne flutes; 99 will contain a cubic zirconia, and the 100th will contain a diamond, courtesy of Roman Jewelers of Flemington and Bridgewater.
This gala, the Museum’s signature fund raiser for the year, will also feature a silent auction of more than 50 quality works of art, including ceramics, jewelry, painting and sculpture.
The menu includes a raw bar donated by the Metropolitan Seafood Company of Lebanon, and buffet dinner by Bex Kitchen of Califon.
Tickets are $125 per person and may be purchased online at http://hunterdonartmuseum.org/ or by calling Caryn Tomljanovich at 908-735-8415.
BENEFITS MUSEUM PROGRAMS
All proceeds support more than 200 art courses, camps and workshops for children and adults, and fund the museum’s efforts to host exhibitions featuring contemporary arts, crafts and design.
“ArtParty is an annual event for anyone who appreciates the arts to enjoy a special evening out and to express their support for the Museum,” said Marjorie Nathanson, executive director of the Hunterdon Art Museum. “The event provides us with a vital opportunity to raise money to support our education programs and exhibitions.”
This year’s silent auction will showcase the works of more than 35 artists, among them Kiyomi Baird, Rachel Chase and Bill Macholdt. Auction items include a pit-fired earthenware bowl by Bennett Bean, a hand-blown glass vase by Bill Healy and stunning jewelry by Peggy Tepper. The silent auction will feature functional and beautiful art for all tastes and budgets.
About a dozen gift baskets and experience packages will also be auctioned. Guests could win four one-day Park Hopper passes to Walt Disney World, Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, or Adventure Aquarium in Camden, and tours of the Brooklyn Brewery and the Top of the Rock in New York City. Guests could bid to win breakfast at the Diamond Club at Citizens Bank Park for four with the Phillie Phanatic.
“Whether you bid on an auction item or join us for the delicious food and festive atmosphere, coming to ArtParty is a great way to show your support for both the museum and the arts in Hunterdon County,” said Lisa Harrell, ArtParty chair. “It will be a special night out to celebrate 60 years of outstanding art. We hope everyone will join us at this fantastic event.”
This year’s ArtParty committee members include Judy Aron-Sellaro, Tamara Boyd, Christine Duval, Elizabeth Matto, Laura McDevitt and Katherine McDonnell. “We couldn’t pull together this event without the help of our great committee,” Nathanson said. “They are the key to making this a success.”
Lead sponsors for this year’s ArtParty are Avaya Inc., Investors Bank, PGB Trust & Investments, PNC Wealth Management, ShopRite of Hunterdon County and Unity Bank.
Since the Museum is celebrating an important milestone with its diamond anniversary, it’s especially eager to make a sparkling impression.
“For 60 years, the Museum has been the major cultural institution in this region,” Nathanson said. “Our exhibitions bring fantastic art to the region, and our classes develop art-making skills in children and adults. Our programs inspire the imagination, and create an atmosphere that is welcoming and brings the community together.”
More than 17,500 people walk through the Museum’s doors each year to view some of the most intriguing and exciting contemporary art exhibitions in the region. The Museum features about 13 different exhibitions of contemporary art craft and design annually. Over 1,000 children participate in the Museum’s studio art programs while another 500 are involved in school residency or enrichment programs.
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC
The Museum is at 7 Lower Center St. in Clinton, New Jersey, 08809. Our website is www.hunterdonartmuseum.org and our telephone number is 908-735-8415. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm and suggested admission is $5.