.jpg)
On March 1st, we hosted our first ever gala celebration for Aripa Arte here in Houston, and the event was a marvelous success. The fundraising evening attracted over 60 collectors who came to support our new nonprofit organization, and to participate in a silent auction of art from 5 Romanian artists we met during our trips to Bucharest. The party was hosted in the studio and gallery of local artist John Ross Palmer, who was kind enough to allow us to take over his beautiful space for the evening. There was plenty to eat and drink, and all of the auction items were purchased, and our inaugural fundraiser not only filled our coffers to initiate our programming goals for the year, but also was a wonderful introduction of Aripa Arte to the community here in Texas. We were also able to present the tradition of Mărțișor to the Lone Start State. This Romanian celebration of spring was a perfect metaphor for the new beginnings of our NGO. We could not be happier.
One of my favorite parts of the evening, in addition to the amazing company gathered, was that the local collectors were able to contact the Romanian artists directly, and hopefully begin a relationship between the creators and collectors. Aripa Arte does not charge a percentage, and we are thrilled if the collectors develop their own personal relationships with the artists they admire. If we can unite these two, our job is complete.
Of course, our job is not in fact complete. This happy evening is only the beginning of the work we have to do. The funds we were able to raise will be allocated to our programming goals, and will be an appetizer for the many fundraising and outreach campaigns we will undertake in the coming months and years. If there is anything you are able to do to help out, we would appreciate it greatly. Check out our website periodically and let us know how we are doing.
Thanks to everyone who made the evening a success, and we look forward to bragging about all the great work we are able to do with the kind support from patrons such as yourselves.
Comments