VIENNA - An evening to celebrate the arts and area arts organizations sponsored by Artsbridge took place Saturday at the Parkersburg Country Club.
Deborah Bayley, chairwoman of the event, said the event grew out of the gala Artsbridge presented in 2011 to celebrate its 25th anniversary.
"It was so well-received people requested we do the gala again," she said. "We decided to do it again and call it 'An Evening Under the Stars' Gala Arts Celebration. It will be an annual event that will bring the area arts organizations get together to celebrate the arts."
Article Photos
Photo by Jeffrey Saulton
Deborah Bayley, left, chairwoman of the “An Evening Under the Star” Gala Arts Celebration, and Lee Rector, right, president of the Artsbridge Board of Directors, stand with the recipients of the “Shining Star” Arts Awards, from left, Betsy Cook, Riverside Artists Gallery of Marietta; John Wharff III, 2012 United Arts Fund Chairman, Artsbridge Inc.; Betty Dotson and Ann Simonton, Actors Guild of Parkersburg; and Sharon Wharton, Parkersburg Art Center.
Bayley said organizers decided they would also invite people from the community that help make the arts organizations strong. They were awarded the "Shining Star" Arts Awards for using their talents and abilities to serve the community through local arts organizations.
Bayley said while the event began as a fundraiser, it is not a fundraiser for Artsbridge now. It has become an event to celebrate the arts and arts organizations.
Bayley said the celebration will be an annual event.
Saturday's celebration featured music by the Trillium Trio and dancing to the music of Insured Sound in the ballroom decorated to give the impression of dancing under the stars and a silent auction.
Those honored by Artsbridge were:
* Betty Dotson and Ann Simonton of the Actors Guild of Parkersburg
* Sharon Wharton of the Parkersburg Art Center
* Betsy Cook of Riverside Artists Gallery of Marietta
* John Wharff III, 2012 United Arts Fund Chairman, Artsbridge Inc.
