The North Gwinnett Arts Association is holding its first fall fundraiser noon to 5 p.m. Nov 17 at Suwanee Town Center.
The event, “Pre-Holiday Pamper,” starts at the artists’ open studio with demonstrations, food and wine. The party will then weave its way through Town Center via a scavenger hunt with the final destination being Shear Elegances Hair Salon for mini massages, hair consultations, food and wine.
The fundraiser benefits the Rosemary Benavides-Williams Scholarship Fund. Benavides-Williams was a local artist and NGAA member who recently passed away due to complications from an illness. She was not only near and dear to everyone who knew her, but with her unique spirit and hearty outlook on life, she made friends wherever she went and believed in the NGAA and the importance of participation in the arts.
With Benavides-Williams in mind and to ensure that this type of spirit is nurtured, the NGAA, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with one of its missions to provide programs and activities that educate the public and encourage appreciation of the arts, has set up the scholarship fund in her name with the goal to give graduating seniors college scholarships to study art.
“The Rosemary Benavides-Williams Scholarship fund is the perfect vehicle to honor Rosemary, promote art education, and encourage art appreciation,” said Patty Wessels, vice president of fundraising for the organization. “The NGAA wants to be a leader in the local arts scene and be an integral part of the Suwanee community. The fundraising event gives people the opportunity to get to know us and why our motto is ‘Art from the Heart.’”
Several local businesses are participating in the event, and artwork from local artists will be displayed and available for purchase at the open studio and the hair salon.
Tickets for the fundraiser are $15 and can be purchased via Paypal on the NGAA website, www.ngaa4arts.com, by calling Patty Wessels at 770-597-5423 or emailing [email protected].
