There is a magic in Wright State’s ARTSGala. Maybe it’s The Dance? The Theater? The Voice? The Films? The Orchestra? Maybe it’s the fact that Wright State continues to provide the area, the nation, even the world with graduates that lead the way in the creative arts. Or maybe, just maybe, the magic is the event itself!
People have been longing for ARTSGala to return to her glory following a long and arduous pandemic. The two year hiatus appears to be over. Saturday, April 9, WSU will be be chock full of student performances in all kind of art forms. The event, 7pm-12a, will be held in the Creative Arts Center. ‘We are back,’ says Joe Deer, Artistic Director of the Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures at Wright State University. ‘You can feel the excitement. There is so much to engage with at this year’s Gala. You can see selections from Sweet Charity; see sets designed by film students; hear some Broadway, Disney and Shakespeare; and of course, opera, dance and the orchestra!’
Deer beams. He knows the community enjoys this sort of ‘arts theme park.’ ‘Folks can rove where they please and enjoy whatever they choose. The event is truly immersive. It’s a unique approach to the Arts, and it’s popular! I have always said it feels like a cruise ship without the water!’ Deer goes on, ‘and what I mean is great entertainment, excellent food in elegant dining rooms, a piano bar, great wine, craft beer, bourbon, specialty cocktails and even cigars!’
With all of that said, the Gala is really about raising money to provide scholarships for students of the arts programs. (Of note, the Gala has raised $3 million for the scholarships since its inception.) Another unique facet of the evening is the ability to talk to the WSU students about their experience. It keeps the night intimate and personal.
One of the more popular parts of the ARTSGala is the coveted silent auction. Mobile bidding is used for more than 100 items at the event. You can bid on everything from art to luxury items.
Entertainment. A Great Cause. Dreams Realized. And A University Committed to the ARTS. It really doesn’t get much better than Wright State’s ARTSGala!
Tickets to this year’s big event are $300 each and can be purchased at www.wright.edu/artsgala. You can also go to www.wright.edu/artsgala/why-support-artsgala to hear real world experiences from some of the college’s arts students.
