Wright State’s ARTSGALA canceled amid coronavirus outbreak; new crowdfunding campaign in works

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

UPDATED (March 12, 2020): Wright State University's ArtsGala 2020 has been canceled due to concerns around coronavirus, the university announced this morning.

“The health and safety of our faculty, staff, student and patrons must be our top priority and at this time there are too many unknowns to consider an alternative date,” the university wrote in its official announcement.

Because the need to raise scholarship funds remains a high priority, the university will launch “ArtsUNgala” on March 20. The crowdfunding campaign will seek financial support for students in fine and performing arts. There will also be an online silent auction beginning March 23.

Find more information at www.wright.edu/artsgala

ORIGINAL REPORT (March 10, 2020): Students are the stars of the show at ARTSGALA, Wright State’s premier arts event

The stage is set for Wright State University’s ARTSGALA Celebration on Saturday, March 28.

The annual event raises money for scholarships in visual arts, film, theater, music and dance. Since it began, it has raised nearly $3 million.

Guests will see 11 live performances throughout the evening, dine on amazing foods and take part in a silent auction featuring experiences in food, cigars, wine, and the fine performing arts.

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

 

The gala will feature student performances in theater, dance, motion pictures, music and visual arts. Regarded as one of Dayton’s premier arts events, the black-tie-optional ArtsGala draws over 800 patrons each year.

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Features this year include:

• A new Opening Ceremony Spectacular featuring the Wright State Jazz Band

• Speakeasy room featuring craft cocktails

• More lounge furniture in the commons for patrons to enjoy each other’s company

• The NCAA semifinal games

• A high-end silent auction featuring experiences to Broadway, Hollywood, and Disney World, along with local and regional experiences in food, cigars and wine.

• A special wine pull

• All new dining experience designed to be more suitable for patrons traveling to and from each performance

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

The students are of course the primary focus, however, the food isn’t something to overlook. In recent years the menu has included smoked trout, lamb lollipops, bacon wrapped pork tenderloin and iced shrimp shooters. This year, the dining rooms will again be full of cuisines from around the world.

ArtsGala’s presenting sponsors are Barnes & Noble at Wright State and Morris Furniture Company. Other major sponsors include THINK TV, Emerson, HORAN, Zoe Dell Nutter, Prime Time Party Rental and Synchrony Financial.

Want to go?

WHAT: 21st Annual WSU ArtsGala

WHERE: 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton

WHEN: 6 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, March, 28

TICKETS: Begin at $250

INFO: 937-775-2233 | Website

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