5 things we loved about Wright State's ArtsGala

For the past 17 years, Wright State University’s College of Liberal Arts has hosted the event to raise money for scholarships in visual arts, film, theater, music and dance.

If you've never been to Wright State University's Arts Gala, here are 5 reasons you should add it to your bucket list.

One of the highlights of Wright State University's ArtsGala 2016 was scenes from Meredith Willson's classic musical, "The Music Man." The annual fundraiser provides scholarships for students in the arts. CONNIE POST/STAFF

1. THE PERFORMANCES

ArtsGala works like this. There are theaters, galleries and rooms each with different featured entertainment and featured foods. Patrons travel from room to room to see the performances of their choice. It's a chance to really experience some of the great arts programs the university offers, from theater, to music, to dance, to visual arts, to film all in one night. Plus, you know your ticket purchase also supports student scholarships.

There was so much to love. The evening featured scenes from the Broadway classic “The Music Man,” a student film festival, dance, the Wind Symphony performing Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever,” live sculpting and painting and more.
One of the many treats during the evening was scenes from Puccini's comedy opera “Gianni Schicchi” as well as other “Great Moments in Opera.” We also loved the Broadway show tunes with hits from "Wicked," "Cats," "Funny Girl" and more.

Wright State University's ArtsGala 2016 included students performing Broadway hits. The annual fundraiser provides scholarships for students in the arts. CONNIE POST/STAFF

2. THE STUDENTS

One of the best things about ArtsGala is getting the chance to see student performances of your choosing up-close-and-personal in an intimate setting.

First, you will be amazed by the talent coming through Wright State's various programs. Wow!

Second, you will be even more amazed by how gracious and thankful these students are for the opportunities they've been given. You will see students spending much of their down time between sets mingling with the arts patrons who have supported them through scholarships and supporting the growth and development of the university's programs and facilities.

We had the opportunity to talk with senior Nikita Taggart after her goose-bump inducing rendition of “Summertime” from “Porgy and Bess.” “I love the energy when we get to share our talents with the people who enjoy music as much as we do,” said the masters student, who plans to pursue a doctorate in music therapy. “I feel like I can help people through music.”
These students have some serious talent and goals, and their energy and smiles are infectious.

The silent auction at Wright State University's 17th Annual ArtsGala offered more than 175 items. The fundraiser that provides scholarships to students in the arts was held April 9, 2016. CONNIE POST/STAFF

3. THE COMMUNITY

A record 900 patrons were on hand to celebrate the brand-new Creative Arts Center.

Literally an hour before the event, I sold the 900th ticket,” said Jennie Buckwalter, ArtsGala chair and assistant dean for Community and Student Engagement for the College of Liberal Arts. “We've raised more dollars and corporate sponsorships than ever before.”
The theaters and galleries and performance spaces were packed with students, faculty, city and community leaders, representatives of the businesses that sponsored the event and those who love supporting the arts and the students.
I love meeting all the patrons,” said WSU junior Nicole Collins, who performed the role of La Ciesca in “Gianni Schicchi.” “I have great opportunities here.”
A silent auction offered more than 175 items including a guitar signed by Little Big Town, a special Wright State cartoon created by Pulitzer Prize winner Mike Peters, whose work is featured in the Dayton Daily News, plus tons of local food, entertainment and service packages.
In addition to community support, actor Tom Hanks and Amanda Wright Lane, the great-grandniece of aviation pioneers Wilbur and Orville Wright, have led a $150 million campaign supporting the university's arts programs.

Patrons enjoy student work on display in the brand-new Stein Galleries during Wright State University's 17th Annual ArtsGala, held April 9, 2016. CONNIE POST/STAFF

4. THE CREATIVE ARTS CENTER

While work continues on the new and improved Creative Arts Center, patrons were able to experience a new art gallery, dance studio and more, giving them a feel for what's to come.
It’s a world-class transformation,” said W. Stuart McDowell, chair and artistic director for the Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures. “It’s worthy of a major, major public university. The facilities have now caught up with our students and faculty.”
The renovation and expansion will increase the building’s accessibility, technology, and offerings to ensure that Wright State continues to recruit top-caliber artistic talent from across the country, serve as a leader in arts education and performances. Renovations are expected to be complete by the end of the year, and many in time for fall classes.
The building itself is truly a work of art.

Herb-roasted lamb lollipops and roasted garlic smashed potatoes were served in the Opera Scenes room at Wright State University's 17th Annual ArtsGala, held April 9, 2016. CONNIE POST/STAFF

5. THE FOOD

And last but certainly never least in our hearts: the food. There was more food than we could possibly describe.

Our favorites included lamb lollipops and smashed garlic potatoes, the bacon-wrapped sweet potatoes, crab cake sliders, fig and goat cheese crostini, asparagus in baked phyllo and chicken and spinach mushroom puffs.

Drink offerings included a cash bar, wine and bourbon tastings and a martini lounge.

And we won't forget to mention the dessert.

New this year to ArtsGala, bite-sized desserts from cheesecakes to streudels were available in each themed room throughout the evening rather than just toward the end of the event in the main atrium.

We loved the dark chocolate pianos (intricately detailed right down to the keys, we might add) given as party favors as we headed out into the unseasonably cold night.

The only thing that could have made this event better is a little sunshine. Maybe next year.

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