Fall is upon us and while we anxiously await the cooler temps to accompany its arrival, we couldn’t celebrate the month of October without discussing Halloween and River Oaks’ Annual Van Gogh Gala fundraiser, better known for 2018 as our Cirque de van Gogh Gala!
The stage will be set for October 27th from 7:0pm to 11:00pm for an event that has become a community staple. Perhaps it’s the themed party atmosphere that truly makes it so unique, or is it the art!? We say it’s both! The custom costumes showcase their own unique artistic merit which rivals that of the artwork on the auction block! If you’re just getting the invitation in the mail, you may have imagined a brief whiff of popcorn as we present the 2018 theme…Cirque de van Gogh.
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages, get ready for Cirque de Van Gogh! Get ready to be amazed, amused and perhaps thrilled! Feel the mystique of the magician, the charades of the clown—let yourself be drawn by the music and the mystery of the carnival. Since ancient times, the brotherhood of circus folk has fascinated audiences with its folklore, funfair and sideshows. You’re cordially invited to attend River Oaks 2018 Cirque de van Gogh Gala, a Venetian carnival inspired event!
Guests will be drawn in by the theatrical, the daring feats of vaudeville performers and, of course, taking center stage, our star artists, led by none other than our reveling Ringmaster. Marveling at the evening’s fanciful festivities and contemporary art will always captivate your imagination. Cirque de van Gogh—one night only on an evening close to all hallows eve—where anything magical could be sinister or just a sideshow illusion. Welcome all as the Arts Center casts its characters under the big top, Saturday, October 27th. It promises to be the greatest show on earth!
Of course, Van Gogh is and always has been about the art—guest artists (members of the community) are paired with mentor artists who guide them through a unique, collaborative creative process. These dynamic duos work together for weeks and months to create a masterpiece that is both representative of the guest artist’s vision, all while expertly guided by the mentor. Guest artists have included a wide range of community leaders with no subject matter or technique off limits. The Gala has seen some incredible, exclusive pieces over the years, including ceramics, mixed media, photography, furniture, all painting media and a multitude of sculpture. The Art Center has even witnessed a few guest artists finding their own art calling, continuing their creative journey following the event.
We proudly present our Guest/Mentor Artists of 2018:
Caroline Simons & Laura Gates
Joe Pledger & Aubrey Bolen
Kay Michiels & Bridie Rollins
Lauren Laborde & Kayla Terrell
Tina Baker & Jane Crowell
Theresa Hood & Lindsay Moore
Abbey Bain & Becky O’Neal
Erica Paul & Barry Owen
Ashley Ruggles & Leah Morace
Mike Virden & Janet Ahrens
Natalie O’Quin & Donna Barron
Mary Jane Soprano & Susan Corbyn
Jane Ann Bush & Krista Redmond
Dustin Matthews & Dylan Rasch
Dr. Preston Jones & Tony Martin
Carla Guillory & Penny Abraham
Debbie Doggett & Dr. Denise Lott
Caitlyn Murphy & Tish Fresh
Allie Netherland & Barbara Clover
Robin Gosserand & Aubrey Bolen
Arledge Smith & Barry Owen
Chad Bordes & Tony Martin
Loye Ayres, Robert Weeks & Rhonda Reap-Curiel
Amber Johnson & JoAnne Kohara Thompson
Scott Laliberte & Veretta Garrison-Moller
Marsha McGraw-Barbera & Carole Steele
Dr. Sonny Trammell & Ann Jarrell Lee
Also featuring guest artists Lynn Sanders, Julia Welch and Dr. Bobby Fields
Thirty amazing pieces submitted by these Guest/Mentors will be placed on the auction block during an exciting live auction with guest auctioneer, Representative Lance Harris. The evening will also feature a special silent auction with works from students from Our Lady of Prompt Succor, under the instruction of artists Marianne Davis (painting) and Carole Steele (ceramics).
Whether you attend to buy art in the fun-filled live auction, admire it before it gets snatched up, or you’re just here for the fun and food, Van Gogh has something for everyone. Tickets are limited and usually sell out prior to the event, so we recommend buying them early. A limited number of reserved tables remain available. Tickets are $65.00 per person; Reserved Tables are $750 (seating 10).
Cirque de Van Gogh is presented by Rapides Regional Medical Center & Red River Bank and co-sponsored by Alexandria Pediatric Dentistry, Red River Dermatology, Elizabeth Randall, and Camille & Trey Jackson.
For tickets or more information, call (318) 473-2670 or visit riveroaksartscenter.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for costume inspirations and additional event details.
