A first ever Art in Public Places Gala is Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Mercedes- Benz of Dothan showroom. Hosted by Mike Schmitz in support of the new nonprofit organization’s capital campaign, is free to the public but RSVP is required because tickets are limited to 200 attendees.
“Mike Schmitz shares enthusiasm for supporting local arts and helping transform the Wiregrass into an arts destination,” said Holly Meyers, executive director of Art in Public Places, thanking Schmitz for his support.
“We are incredibly excited to begin our work in the Wiregrass, and this fundraiser will help Art in Public Places get off the ground,” said Meyers. “We all have such a unique opportunity to make an impact in the area, and people showing up to at the Gala is a great way to be on the ground floor with us, genuinely building an organization that will create a legacy of art and creativity in the Southeast.”
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Calling the event “an unforgettable evening of art, purpose, and community support,” Meyers said that all proceeds from the gala directly support the new nonprofit organization’s mission of creating a vibrant arts ecosystem in the Wiregrass. “We envision a future where the Wiregrass is recognized as a destination for arts and creativity, and where public spaces are transformed through art-forward design and community engagement,” she said.
The Arts in Public Places Board of Directors, with president Tara Harris, vice president Caleigh Parsons, secretary Erin Merrill, and treasurer Emily Knight, and board members Dr. Jeneve Brooks, Dr. Arielle Dahlin, Clay Dempsey, Charlsie Dunning, Jessica Givens, Wes Hardin, Laura Moore, Kishia Saffold, Gina Swan, and Seaborn Wood, play a critical role in ensuring the organization remains aligned with its mission and responsive to community needs, Meyers said.
Arts in Public Places strives to enrich shared spaces with public art and community-driven art experiences, said Meyers.
“While Dothan and Houston County have a variety of arts organizations, much of the programming is limited to specific audiences and often requires visiting brick-and-mortar facilities,” said Meyers., “Our goal is to take art beyond those walls, making it a visible and integrated part of daily life in public spaces.”
The inaugural fundraiser will feature live music, and hors d’oeuvres. Local artists Wes Hardin, Erin Merrill, and Caleigh Parsons will give painting demonstrations.
Meyers said the fundraiser’s live auction includes jewelry from Kirkland’s Jewelry, a private three-course dinner and wine pairing at the Bottletree, Chloe Brennan mini-photoshoot at Rosemary Beach, a special package from Southeastern Institute of Plastic Surgery, and a private dinner for four by Chelsea Gieselman, renowned chef and Food Network star.
For tickets and more information, visit www.artinpublicplaces.art or email director@artsinpublicplaces.art.
