Staff
Tickets for the Friends of the Museum’s fourth-annual fall fundraiser gala are now on sale.
Entitled “Cut A Rug,” the wine-and-cheese fundraiser will take place Thursday, Nov. 5 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Fort Frances Museum.
The evening will tie in with the museum’s current exhibit, “The Artistry of Rug Hooking,” which has been guest-curated by Debbie Ballard and showcases rug hooking from across the district and province.
Tickets, which cost $35 each or $60 for two, are available at the museum and the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre.
They also will be sold at the door (if there’s any left).
One of the highlights of the evening is the silent auction, with items donated by local artists, crafters, and businesses.
The “Friends of the Museum” is asking for any donation, large or small, for the auction, which may be changed to a live auction format if they can find a auctioneer.
“We’ve had some very generous support in the past, and we would love to see past donors—as well as new ones—help us out,” said Friends’ president Duane Hicks.
In the past, the group has received donations ranging from handmade mitts, books, and homemade candy to jewellery, art prints, and quilts, he noted.
Pieces can be dropped off at the museum any time (its current hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.)
The evening also will feature live music by the Rainy Lake Orchestra, which has been busy learning danceable tunes in line with the “Cut A Rug” theme.
As such, an area will be cleared for a dance floor.
“We’re very excited to have the Rainy Lake Orchestra back,” said Hicks.
“They have become a fixture at our gala,” he added. “People really look forward to the live music.”
There also will be a delectable array of hors d’oeuvres prepared by local chef Mark Nagant, who catered the previous three galas, and “Friend” member Judy Kielczewski.
Hicks said the group of volunteers—which also includes Samantha Manty, Mandy Lahti, Sarah Marusyk, Sherry George, Sue Fletcher, Robert Schulz, Pat Basaraba, Caren Fagerdahl, and Caron Cridland—is aiming to make this gala bigger and better than ever in hopes of raising more funds to provide more programming for residents.
In related news, the “Friends of the Museum” will be sponsoring a series of workshops this fall and winter.
A workshop focusing on rug-hooking for beginners, led by Ballard, is in the works.
Anyone interested in taking this workshop is urged to contact the museum.
Likewise, anyone with a talent such as wood-carving, painting, stained glass-making, peroghy-making, or anything of cultural value, who would like to lead a workshop, should call the museum for more details.
To reserve tickets, donate items, or have a workshop they’d like to host, call the museum at 274-7891 or e-mail ffmuseum@fort-frances.com
