Arts Alive in Bay!
Maybe it’s inevitable that living in an area of unmatched natural beauty makes locals especially appreciative of the arts. Whatever the reason, those attending the most recent Arts Alive in Bay event on April 4, 2014, were enthusiastic participants in an evening dedicated to the visual and performing arts. Hosted by the Bay Education Foundation and presented by Allstate Construction, Inc., this year’s event raised over $40,000 to support art programs in local schools and to fund “Take Stock in Children,” a college preparation program for local students.
The highlight of Arts Alive was a variety showcase featuring fifteen acts. Under the direction of Sharon Carroll, the musicians, actors, and dancers featured are all students or employees of Bay District Schools. The cast was selected from over ninety acts that tried out in February. Selections were made by a panel of professional judges.
“This evening is unique,” said Jennifer Reale, Marketing Director of The Eye Center of North Florida and chairman of the 2014 event. “Our major goal is to provide our patrons with a series of OMG moments, and I think we succeeded. “ David Powell, Bay Education Foundation president and locally celebrated raconteur, served as Master of Ceremonies for the event. “While we stayed focused on showing our supporters a good time and saluting our great performers,” said Powell, “we also took time for a special celebration–a toast to honor the Bay Education Foundation’s silver anniversary. We are proud of our twenty-five years of supporting education in Bay County.“
The variety show was just part of what made the evening so entertaining. In addition to the show, those in attendance enjoyed a reception and silent auction sponsored by the Panhandle Educators Federal Credit Union. Attendees sipped “Performance Punch” and bid on hundreds of silent auction items, including original art, hotel stays, and jewelry. The silent auction even featured a “Man Cave” section, with items of interest to men and the ladies who wanted to pamper them. Featured musicians for this part of the evening included Terry Hagler, Jason Bennett, and Chris Jordan from Arnold High School; Seth Patterson from Mosley; Emily Busby from North Bay Haven; and Caleigh Jackson from Bay High School.
In addition to the reception, variety show and a three-course dinner, Arts Alive featured a Visual Arts Gallery, sponsored by GAC Contractors. The Bay County Art Teachers Association selected and arranged the art work with an eye toward demonstrating the breadth of art education in Bay District Schools from drawing to costume design to three- dimensional work.
Maharaja’s Fine Jewelry served as the Silver Anniversary Sponsor and provided a fabulous Bellarri necklace for one of the evening’s raffles. Trustmark Bank also sponsored a raffle for $500 in gift certificates and bank president Jay Hindsman presented the prize to the lucky winner.
Other sponsors for Arts Alive in Bay included Royal American, Florida Blue, Thrivent Financial, The Eye Center of North Florida, ProTech Services, Inc., Images by Teresa Tuno, and the Bay Arts Alliance.
Tickets will go on sale in January 2015 for the fifth Arts Alive in Bay event to be held on Saturday, April 4, 2015.
By Beth Deluzain and Jennifer Reale Pictures by Teresa Tuno