Arts council to party like it’s 1974
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, October 30th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON — (News release from the Pendleton Arts Council) 1974 was marked by several noteworthy events. President Nixon resigned after the Watergate scandal, the film Young Frankenstein first graced the screen, and Muhammad Ali and George Foreman squared off in The Rumble in the Jungle. In the small town of Pendleton, a group of arts advocates, including the well-known artist Betty Feves, came together to form the Arts Council of Pendleton, an organization that would prove to make a major mark on the life of the community over the next 50 years.
The Arts Council, best known for the Pendleton Center for the Arts, the facility they have operated since 2001, is celebrating its Jubilee anniversary with a major fundraiser at the Pendleton Convention Center on Saturday, November 9th. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. and features both silent and live auctions.
The Gala for the Arts is inviting supporters to ‘party like its 1974,’ complete with food, music, and décor from the era.
“We’re having such a blast with this theme,” said Arts Council board member and Gala Chairperson Valerie Fouquette. “Guests can attend in anything from casual evening attire to their favorite clothing, accessories, and hair styles from the 70s.”
Fouquette and a large committee of volunteers have been working for months to put together a memorable evening that will raise important operating funds for the Pendleton Center for the Arts.
“Fifty years is a huge accomplishment in the nonprofit world,” said Executive Director Roberta Lavadour. “The fact is that people in the region—and beyond—see the value of creative expression and community connection. Valerie and her crew are putting on a great party to make supporting that work fun and rewarding.”
Auction items include artwork by some of the region’s most beloved artists and craftspeople, including fine furniture by Jeff Blackwood and Bill Grable and paintings by Lorie Baxter, Arlen Clark, Shari Dallas, Ellen Taylor, and James Lavadour. A range of fine wine, gift certificates for local eateries, fishing trips, and much more will round out the offerings.
One of the big tasks of the committee is transforming the convention center space into a groovy party scene.
“We love having events at the Arts Center,” said Fouquette. “But, we are expecting over 200 people to come party with us, and we just can’t fit that many people into the building. The staff members at PCC have been busy showing us all ways we can create the right vibe, it’s really an adaptable space. This will be an event that people won’t want to miss.”
Tickets to the Gala for the Arts are $50 and available at https://pendletonarts.org/, by calling 541-278-9201, or at the Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 North Main Street.
Photo of Gala auction items via Pendleton Center for the Arts
