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Wright State Theatre’s production of “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” runs from March 15 to April 8 in the Festival Playhouse. (Photos by Erin Pence)
The stage is set for Wright State University’s College of Liberal Arts annual ArtsGala, an event to raise money for scholarships in visual arts, film, theater, music and dance.
The annual Wright State University ArtsGala has raised more than $2.5 million for arts scholarships during its 18-year history, with nearly $200,000 at last year’s gala.
“To see the investment in Creative Arts Center, then to see the community support for ArtsGala — it means a lot to the students, for their pride and validation in who they are,” Jennie Buckwalter, Assistant Dean of WSU’s College of Liberal Arts said.
The gala will feature student performances in theatre, dance, motion pictures, music and visual arts. Regarded as one of Dayton’s premier arts events, the black-tie-optional ArtsGala draws over 800 patronseach year.
“ArtsGala is my favorite night of the year. The talent of our students is astonishing, the Creative Arts Center glows, the food and drink are spectacular, and our guests have a memorable time,” said Linda Caron, dean of the College of Liberal Arts in a press release sent to this news organization. “But the best part is that all proceeds go toward scholarships for our deserving fine and performing arts students.”
Features this year include:
• Wind Symphony, featuring Stars and Stripes Forever
• Selections from The Mystery of Edwin Drood
• Live artistic creation by student artists
• Student film festival
• Chamber Orchestra performance
• Opera performances
• Dance performances
• Collegiate Chorale performance
• Six themed dining rooms
• Cigar and college basketball tent
• Top-quality craft beer, bourbon and tequila tastings
A silent auction, featuring mobile bidding this year, will offer over 100 items, including:
• Artwork by Wright State faculty, students, alumni and local artists
• Wide variety of wines
• Assortment of luxury gift baskets, gift cards and dining certificates
The students are of course the primary focus, however, the food isn’t something to overlook. From boursin-stuffed endives to king crab and shrimp ceviche to vanilla bean cheesecakes, the dining rooms will be full of Italian, Mexican, American, British and Japanese taste sensations. You can see the full menu here. There will also be hand-selected craft beer, bourbon, tequila and sparkling wine presented by Heidelberg.
“The scholarship support is transformative for our students — they’re training and practicing in addition to their academics. They’re often in the Creative Arts center the entire day,” said Buckwalter. “The scholarship support is critical to help them stay on track to graduate and succeed after graduation. We want them to benefit as much as they can while they’re a student and not be burdened by debt after graduation — we want them to be successful.”
ArtsGala’s presenting sponsors are Barnes & Noble at Wright State and Morris Furniture Company. Other major sponsors include Chartwells, Dayton Business Journal, Emerson, Gloria and Don Graber, HORAN, Zoe Dell Nutter, ThinkTV, Pamela and Malte von Matthiessen, Prime Time Party Rental, Synchrony Financial and WHIO-TV.
Want to go?
WHAT: 19th Annual WSU ArtsGala
WHERE: 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton
WHEN: 6 p.m. to midnight
TICKETS: $250 (includes 2 drink tickets)
INFO: 937-775-5512 | Website
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