Plenty of entertainment and an array of craft beers are just part of what make the annual Red Deer Arts Council Arts and Craft (Beer) Fundraiser, set for Jan. 30th at Festival Hall, truly a not to be missed event, organizers say.
It is an opportunity to be introduced to good-tasting beer and a find some new favourites without having to buy the case, organizers add. Tasters will also be given a score card to keep track of what they have tasted and which ones they love.
Appetizers will be featured from favourite restaurants and folks will be able to dance the night away with St. James’ Gate and there will also be a 50/50 draw and raffle prizes to be won – it’s a fabulous chance to celebrate the arts and artisans in the local community. Tasting runs from 7 – 9 p.m. and St. James’ Gate starts at 9 p.m.
Tickets are available at the Black Knight Ticket Centre by visiting www.blackknightinn.ca.
Last year marked the first event, which was a huge success and sold out as well, says Scott Barnabe, chair of the Red Deer Arts Council.
“It’s supporting the operations of the Red Deer Arts Council and we also use the funds to help fund the Emerging Artist Award,” he says, adding the funds help to replenish a number of scholarships the Red Deer Arts Council provides.
There is also a number of programs that benefit from the fundraiser, as well as day-to-day aspects of the Council, he adds.
“The intention of the Arts Council is that it serves two constituents – one, the general population of Red Deer to say, ‘Hey, here’s what’s going on in arts of all disciplines’ – just to help keep people informed. It’s also for the artists themselves in terms of being able to contact each other, driving attendance for various productions and things like that.”
The Arts Council offers a number of services and events including eight to 10 different exhibits annually that are hosted at the non-profit Kiwanis Gallery at the Red Deer Public Library. The Council also provides emerging artists an opportunity to learn about the art business and to help establish art careers through encouragement and assistance in developing portfolios, artist statements and proposals for the exhibition of their work, according to their web site.
There are also various workshops available to the public, the arts community, as well as to members to increase awareness of the arts and to provide valuable information.
Another key aspect to the Council are the scholarship programs, which include the Princess Margaret Scholarships.
They also adjudicate and award the Canada Centennial Scholarships to secondary and post secondary students and adjudicate and award the Emerging Artist Award.
In June 2013, Red Deer hosted the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Awards Gala. The LGAA event raised legacy funds, part of which were gifted to the Red Deer Arts Council to establish the Emerging Artist Award and to use the funds as seed money for a fundraising event that would see the legacy funds grow and to continue to provide money for the Emerging Artist Award, as well as for ongoing operations.
Meanwhile, tickets for the Arts and Craft (Beer) Fundraiser are available at the Black Knight Ticket Centre.
editor@reddeerexpress.com
