Summer Gala Success!

Written By Adam Erickson

Over 120 supporters gathered on Thursday, August 29 to help Peninsula School of Art celebrate 59 years as a leading innovator of creative experiences and arts education for participants of all ages and abilities in Door County.

In all, the PenArt Summer Gala raised nearly $100,000 to catalyze our mission, and we were thrilled to announce a matching anonymous donation of $100,000 that same night, designated to help pay down the School’s construction loan.

"Gently Awaiting" by Ginnie Cappaert was one of five Live Auction items. 

The sold-out event began with a silent auction and hand crafted cocktails by mixologist Mike Holmes, followed by a four-course dinner by Alexander's of Door County. Master of Ceremonies, Rachel Manek, of Fox 11 News hosted a dynamic program and the evening culminated with a Live Auction, Paddle Raise, and music for dancing by Big Mouth and the Power Horns. It was truly a night to remember!

More than 30 individuals and businesses donated items for the silent and live auctions. And we could not have realized this beautiful event without the 30+ people who volunteered to organize, clean, and set up for the special night. Thank you!

Another big thanks goes to the 2024 Gala Steering Committee:

  • Mary Kay Braza, Gala Co-Chair

  • Julia Chomeau, Gala Co-Chair

  • Carrie Baldwin, Door County Event Planners

  • Adam Erickson, PenArt

  • Joslyn Villalpando, Woodwalk Gallery

  • Ginny Sowinski, PenArt

We are also grateful to the Talent, Entertainment, and Production Team:

  • Board, Staff, and Interns of PenArt

  • Jenny Gehl, Auctioneer, Bravo Benefit Auctions

  • Rachel Manek, Master of Ceremony, WLUK TV Fox 11 - Good Day Wisconsin

  • Big Mouth and The Power Tool Horns

  • Paul Staub Audio Productions

And last but not least, thanks to our Gala Sponsors:

  • DeLeers Construction Inc. (Lead Sponsor)

  • Reinsurance Group of America (Presenting Sponsor)

  • Associated Bank (Presenting Sponsor)

Thank you to all who attended and to all who made this event more successful than we could have imagined!

Adam Erickson

Adam Erickson is a nonprofit leader and cultural producer who works with world class artists, thinkers, and leaders as well as with dynamic grassroots organizations across the United States. Presently, Adam serves as Executive Director of Peninsula School of Art in Door County, Wisconsin. From 2016 to 2020, he directed ArtPlace America’s network building initiatives and strategic communications. Previously, Adam managed the Aspen Institute Arts Program, where he brought together leading voices from a variety of sectors, with the purpose of accelerating arts-driven social change, service, and innovation. Adam is a founding member of Vital Little Plans, an artist collective and giving circle.

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