About Art Ball
Often dubbed the Miami Valley’s “adult prom,” the formal night features hors d’oeuvres, an elegant dinner in the art galleries, a martini bar, music and dancing. The museum’s associate director Jane Black says it’s “dinner in the best dining room in which you will ever be seated.”
Guests will dine on crab-topped sea bass and sun-dried tomato horseradish crusted tenderloin.
Chairpersons for this year’s ball are Lisa and Michael Sandner of Springboro, who have planned and executed the annual fundraiser along with other members of the museum’s associate board.
The theme is traditionally tied to a piece of art in the museum’s collection, and the couple have chosen John Safer’s sculpture Pathway.
You’ve seen the dramatic piece — it’s the polished steel sculpture that greets you when you enter the museum grounds. Towering nearly 70 feet, the sculpture was installed in 2003 as part of the Centennial of Flight and suggests man’s pathway into space.
Lisa Sandner said she and her husband believe the sculpture suggests “connections and possibilities” and also references the Wright Brothers. It also honors the past, present and future of Dayton, she said.
The theme of this year’s gala is “Art is in the Air,” and Lisa Sandner says she was inspired by all the natural beauty in the transition from sunset to dusk.
“With this influencing the decor and color palate, you will see pinks, purples, blues — against a backdrop of midnight blue,” she said. “Just as a sunset provides a gorgeous backdrop to Pathway as an outdoor sculpture, so too will these colors provide a beautiful decor for the evening.” Pops of silver will reflect the John Safer piece and the floral arrangements will also incorporate metallic elements, reminiscent of Pathway.
New at the Art Ball this year is a VIP Lounge that will offer early entry to the event for a private cocktail reception and the chance to view Edgar Degas’ After the Bath, part of the museum’s collection but not currently on display.
Money raised by this year’s Art Ball will go into the museum’s general operating fund. Last year’s Art Ball raised more than $100,000 for the museum, and organizers say they are hoping to raise approximately the same amount this year.
About the raffle
One hundred prizes — each valued at $100 or more — will be raffled at the party, with a maximum of 600 tickets being sold. That gives people who enter a 1 in 6 chance of winning something.
Top prizes include a seven-night vacation stay with airfare for two at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort in the Caribbean valued at $8,400, a Marco Bicego 18K yellow gold and Africa pearl bead bracelet provided by James Free Jewelers and valued at $4,490, a Yurman Sterling Silver/18K gold albion pendant with a gold quilt enhancer on 18” sterling silver wheat chain provided by James Free Jewelers and valued at $1,490 and Square One Salon services for an entire year valued at $1,200.
For more information about the raffle and to buy tickets, go to www.daytonartinstitute.org/raffle. Tickets may also be purchased by phone at (937) 223-4ART (4278) or in person at the museum during regular hours.
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