Art soiree draws crowd, funds

MOSES LAKE - The Columbia Basin Allied Arts Soirée featured more than just art Friday night as it also offered beer and wine tasting, and silent and live auction items up for bid.

This year's soiree, held in Big Bend Community College's ATEC Building, brought in more than 150 people in attendance which helped raise more funds than in prior years said Pat Daugherty, of the Allied Arts Association. Community support and attendence was appreciated she said. The total amount of funds raised was not available by press time.

The annual soiree is the only fundraiser of the year, and funds raised go toward operating costs.

"Every year it gets better," Daugherty said.

Daugherty explained they put on four to five premier shows each year, along with three Green Turtle shows for children and families.

"We are only able to stay through the help of the community," Daugherty said.

Blue table cloths, bamboo and paper lanterns decor added flair to the soiree's Asian theme, which was in honor of Rie Palkovic's still life "Akimbo." Palkovic is head of the BBCC art department and was the featured artist in this year's soiree.

Palkovic has also had showings at the Moses Lake Museum and Art Center. During the auction, Dick and Marilyn Pulis won "Akimbo."

Kristin Beich was the winner of the "Diamond Draw," and took home a princess cut ring. This was the first year the soiree featured the "Diamond Draw."

Live music was performed by Moses Lake based band "Cover Story," and Jones Winery and Midway Beverage provided the wine and beer.

Barbi Schachtschneider, event coordinator, helped organize the event along with board members Laura Mayer, Lynn Townsend, Leslie Ramsden, Doreen McGraw and Marilyn Pulis.