Friday, April 27th, I barely peaked out from behind the sales desk... which is a good thing. Before the festivities really got going, I was able to take this one photo:
I was not amongst it, but I knew the amount of estrogen in the room was probably suffocating. Though every time I looked over, it seemed as if our male volunteers did not mind! Women were invited to the Prairie Art Alliance Gallery II on Friday, April 27th from 6-8pm to celebrate the art of being woman, to be surrounded by fine art, artisan jewelry, chocolate, champagne, and many other activites and items often times associated with, but never limited to, our gender. But the evening wasn't just about over indulgences or sales, we also wanted to inspire a feeling of sisterhood.... so we invited a local charitable organization that deals with womens' issues and works towards creating a better quality of life for women in our community.
We had a very successful silent auction that benefited Sojourn Shelter & Services, Inc. with items donated from many businesses, organizations, and artists in Springfield, IL: Maldaner's Retaurant, Hoogland Center for the Arts, Davis Cleaners, Iris & Ivy, The Wardrobe, Flowers by Mary Lou, artist Felicia Olin, artist Joan Burmeister, artist Pam Allen, KM Hairworks, Recycled Records, BJ Grand Salon & Spa, J Parsons, Uptown Looks, J Design, Denny Jewelers, Pease's, Cold Stone Creamery, artist Leslie Smith, and artist Mike Manning. Sojourn was founded in 1975 and operates with a mission to build a community free of violence through service, leadership and education. Sojourn provides emergency shelter, a 24-hour hotline, individual and group counseling, court advocacy, pro bono legal assistance, community education, volunteer opportunities and operates Sojourn Westside Fashions. Sojourn is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization and a certified United Way member agency.
We were also a designated drop off this evening for any items the Sojourn typically needs such a non perishable food items, bedding, toiletries, and gently used clothing. We have collected a lot, and are still collecting!
We also prepared a "Ladies' Night In" basket for one lucky winner, as well as offered mystery "grab bags" full of fine art and beauty products.
Feast your eyes on some other little details from the evening:
Interrupting your usual programming! (Photo courtesy of Ginny Lee)
Chandelier made entirely of plastic bottles.
"willow heart" curtain
Pink lights and artisan jewelry helped set the mood for the wonderful evening. So many women who usually do not make it into the arts community were re-exposed to the visual arts. We were so happy to raise awareness for Sojourn Shelter & Services, Inc. and for the visual arts community. We cannot wait for another ladies' night next year! Thank you to everyone who made the event a success. Women's issues and the arts are both so very close to my heart. If only I had a picture of the chocolate table for you to drool over...
-Jennifer Snopko, Gallery II Manager
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