Published: July 11, 2008 01:52 pm         

Gilchrist Garden Gala

Fundraiser is a first for art museum in mansion

CUMBERLAND - The Cumberland Cultural Foundation will host its first fundraising event at the C. William Gilchrist Museum of Art on July 19 from 7 to 11 p.m. The Gilchrist Garden Gala will feature a live auction of collectors' wines, cigars and original art.

The items will include an original work from the gallery's John Wellington collection. Wellington was a beloved artist who was a native of Cumberland. The auctioneer will be Dr. Matthew Allaway, a local art and wine collector.

The event will be held in the 19th-century federal style mansion at 104 Washington St. The setting will include the interior of the gallery as well as the illuminated gardens within the stone walls of the property. The jazz music of Ed Morgret's ensemble will be the backdrop for the evening.

During the event two artists' works will be on display and available for purchase: the art of Gene Gillespie, an accomplished wood turner, as well as the dramatic paintings of Paul Chojnowski who works with fire. In addition, artist Charles Amos has graciously agreed to autograph his prints during the evening.

The foundation is pleased to have the support of local businesses and artists. PharmaCare Floral has offered their decorating services as well as all of the floral arrangements throughout the grounds. Two local pastry chefs will provide artistic and delectable cakes, Thomas Pratt who trained at Le Cordon Bleu and Kate O'Leary who trained at the Culinary Institute of America. The two have combined their talents to create "For the Love of Cake" and this event will be their Cumberland debut. In addition to sweets the talented staff from the Oxford House will provide a wide variety of specially chosen gourmet hors d'oeuvres. During the evening, guests will be able to enjoy wine, beer and cocktails. Susquehanna Bank also is supporting the program.

The tax-deductible donations from the event will be used to expand the art program at the Gilchrist Gallery and the ongoing restoration of the historic property.

For more information, call Kelli Allaway at (301) 722-1108 or send email to kelliandmatt@atlanticbb.net.