Dayton Daily News: Wright State ArtsGala this weekend offers performance, food and auction

Wright State University’s ArtsGala offers performances, fine dining and a silent auction Saturday, April 11. The proceeds will support student scholarships.

ArtsGala has raised more than $4 million, funding more than 2,500 scholarships for students in the School of Fine and Performing Arts since 2000, Wright State officials said.

Festivities begin at 6 p.m. with a VIP reception, followed by an opening ceremony at 7 p.m. in Schuster Hall. This year’s event is expected to draw about 700 patrons.

Highlights of the evening include a jazz club-style performance space, highlights of Wright State’s “1776” production, interactive lighting displays and film design and production showcases, along with live demonstrations in painting, drawing and sculpture.

For students, the impact of ArtsGala extends beyond the event itself. Emma McCaslin, a Wright State dance major who has received ArtsGala scholarships the past two years, said the scholarships helped her pay for school.

“It helped tremendously, being an out-of-state student,” she said. “Having this extra support from the scholarship tells me I’m doing the right thing, and that my hard work is paying off.”

Organizers say ArtsGala also highlights the broader value of the arts at Wright State and across the region.

“ArtsGala highlights the importance the arts play here and are helpful to the entire community,” said Linda Menz, co-chair of the ArtsGala Host Committee. “It makes Wright State look good and the community even better.”

Tickets and additional event information are available at wright.edu/artsgala.