SPRING GALA

story by Sarah Chamma // Photography by Jill Ockhardt

It’s safe to say the Plains Art Museum’s Spring Gala: “Optical Illusions” succeeded in living up to its theme. A spinning disco ball lit up the entrance, and several people wore glow sticks around their necks and wrists. Laser art decorated the walls of the Presentation Center, as patrons were invited to draw pictures with laser pointers.

Meanwhile, servers mixed cocktails courtesy of Sidestreet Grille and Pub, and the hors d'oeuvres included chocolate peanut butter truffles and multicolored macaroons from Nichole’s Fine Pastry. Wine and beer tasting went on throughout the evening, thanks to Happy Harry’s Bottle Shop. Artworks donated by local artists were available for silent auction. From paintings and photographs to sculptures and pottery, these pieces had no shortage of eager bidders.

Hungry patrons headed to the third floor for a buffet provided by Mosaic Foods. The cuisine included crab cakes, turkey cranberry salad, and skewered hamburgers. Diners were serenaded by the Carluster Crumplebee Orchestra, and were later treated to a 3-D projection art show called “Depth Perception,” created by Ruben Lara and Dave Hanson.

From 10pm to midnight, those remaining were treated to Spicy Pie pizza and a closing performance by Diane Miller and the Silver Daggers. [AWM]