The Genesee Valley Council on the Arts will bring artists, community leaders and supporters together in Geneseo next month for a new fundraising gala designed to celebrate and sustain the region’s creative community.
The inaugural “Arts in Bloom: Auction and Gala” is scheduled for Friday, June 5, with events taking place at Crickets Café and the historic Riviera Theatre in downtown Geneseo. Organizers say the evening will highlight local artists, community arts programs and new initiatives serving Livingston and Monroe counties.
The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a reception and preview of donated artwork and themed basket raffles at Crickets Café on Center Street. A live auction and recognition program will follow at 6:30 p.m. at the Riviera Theatre before a ticketed afterparty featuring live music, drinks and dancing returns to the café later in the evening.
GVCA plans to recognize 67 grant recipients connected to arts education, community arts and individual creative projects during the program. Officials will also announce several new initiatives, including the Music on Murray series with the Livingston County Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation and Artful Connections, which provides art kits for children through social services programs.
Another featured project, “The Hands That Make Us,” will involve 14 local artists working with towns across Livingston County to create painted banners celebrating local history as part of America 250 programming. Community members will help create the pieces during festivals and events throughout the summer.
Former WHEC-TV anchor and Geneseo native Rebecca Leclair will emcee the event. Organizers also plan to honor past GVCA board members and highlight contributions to local arts and culture across the region.
Tickets for the extended celebration portion of the evening are on sale through May 29, with limited space available.
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