Nevada theme highlights this season’s arts dinner

This year’s annual Churchill Arts Council dinner and silent auction honors the heritage of the Silver State and its sesquicentennial with a “Home Means Nevada” theme for its annual fundraising event.

“Some people have suggested theme tables … like gaming tables, western tables and cowboy tables,” said Valerie Serpa, executive director of CAC.

For the March 1 “An Evening with the Arts,” Serpa encourages attendees to wear something representative of Nevada’s culture as the community celebrates Nevada’s 150th birthday. Serpa said tickets are still available for the 28th annual gathering.

“It is a nice opportunity for folks to dress up, get together for an evening of visiting with friends, enjoy cocktails, a wonderful meal and the opportunity to purchase many unique items to support the arts and culture in Fallon,” Serpa pointed out.

Funds derived from the dinner and auction, Serpa said, pay for the administrative functions, utilities, programs and services and performance outreach — basically those expenses not covered by grants, which help fund the performers and other artist coming to Fallon.

“Grants are very specific as they cover the performances, art exhibitions and writers,” Serpa added.

According to Serpa, about 200 items will be offered in the silent and live auctions. Represented artists include Jaime Sammons, Pat Getto, Michelle Nelsen, Robert Petersen, Tom and Jo Robinson, Lori Bishop, Rhiannon Stephens, Linda Hammond, Judy Carlson, Marie Nygren, Larry Neel, Maxie M. Baumgardner, Vicki Workman, Suzie Slaybaugh, Susan McCormick and many others.

“Many unusual auction items have been donated this year,” Serpa said, “and they include ‘Golf for Four’ at Arrowcreek, Reno Aces tickets, a private tour to the National Auto Museum, a Donner Party hike and Tahoe package, tickets to the Giants/Reds Game in San Francisco, a private plane ride over Burning Man, a tour and tasting for four at Churchill Vineyards, Reno Rodeo tickets and much, much more.”

The arts council can take silent auction items until Wednesday, but Serpa said live auction items will be accepted on the day of the event. Serpa said auctioneer Ted Guazzini will help CAC as well as his wife, Loretta.

Serpa said the 2013-14 season has been a successful one with sellouts for the performances including the last one, Ana Popovic. She said tickets are selling briskly for the March 22 performance of the Paul Thorn Band.

“I think will be a sellout,” Serpa said.

The season has produced talks from the artists and art exhibitions in the two galleries.

With a month until his convert, Serpa said CAC has been selling advance tickets, many to out-of-area lovers of the arts.

“An Evening with the Arts” will be held at the Fallon Convention Center on March 1 with the silent auction beginning at 5:30p.m., and dinner catered by Slanted Porch at 7 p.m. Serpa said the $70 per person admission includes dinner, wine, admission to the auction, a copy of the catalogue and the entertainment and opportunity to support the arts. For reservations, call 775-423-1440.