Artists make 3rd gala luscious

The gymnasium at the George Mullen Center took on a decidedly rich and luscious look on Saturday. Platters of chocolate were strategically placed on auction tables. Tiny paint palettes made of chocolate beckoned guests. Buffet tables, chocolate fountains for dipping strawberries and lots of free-flowing wine made the 3rd annual North Port Art Gala a delicious success.

The food and drinks were just one aspect of the event, but the real treat was the decor.

"It's really fantastic what they did to this place, but it's no surprise. After all, they are" artists said guest Richard Gross.

Joan Overholser, Kathy Lane, Jennifer Dirrigl, Sandy Boccagna, Marge Strosnik and Linda Jackson worked long and hard to incorporate this year's gala theme, Impressions by Monet, into the decor by painting large flowers on a black background and creating banners that lined the walls.

Items for the silent auction poured in with about 60 paintings from North Port Art Center members and 40 items from the community all in support of the art center's fundraiser.

"Our goal this year is $10,000, realistically we hope to make $7,000," said event chairwoman Eileen Nail. "The money will be going to provide summer art programs for our local youth and a cement enclosure for our kiln."

"Eventually we would like to add on another room to the center that we just moved into this past July," Nail said. "Already we are outgrowing the space," Nail said.

INFORMATION The North Port Art Center is at 5950 San Shapos Way. For information about programs, call 423-6460.