Wilding Art Museum Gala Dinner and Auction

The Wildling Art Museum, currently occupying the Keenan-Hartley House in Los Olivos, is an organization dedicated to showcasing art of the American wilderness in order to educate all ages on the importance of preserving our natural heritage. The Wilding presents four exhibits annually, its fall opening began on Saturday, Sept. 15 featuring “The Poetry of Nature: Paintings and Lithographs by Russell Chatham,” followed by a gala dinner and benefit auction.

A $150 donation gained guests access to the dinner and auction, where Russell Chatham was on hand, while wine and hors d’oeuvres were served, and guests mingled among the art. Local resident, Maryanne Minor, described Chatham’s original lithographs as, “Entirely different. Not typical plein air landscapes.”

As guests moved to dinner and the auction, local Terri Willenborg, described the lithographs as “atmospheric, reflective [and] created a serene mood.”

During dinner, a variety of original art and items from local businesses were auctioned for what turned out to be a lively and enthusiastic crowd of art enthusiasts. A long-time supporter of the Wilding Art Museum, Nancy Bull, commented “The Wilding is an outstanding museum. With exhibits, tours, classes, demonstrations, it’s an asset and up to us to support it any way we can.”

Chatham’s Lithographs will be on display through Jan. 6, 2008. For upcoming events at the museum visit www.wildlingmuseum.org or call 805-688-1082. Wilding Art Museum is located at 2329 Jonata Street, Los Olivos.

 

Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association

The Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association (SYVVA) is a not-for-profit, membership-based marketing organization promoting the entire Santa Ynez Valley as a year-round tourism destination. SYVVA is dedicated to what they call sustainable tourism that retains the Valley’s rural, small-town character and unique sense of place in the communities of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang.

On Sept. 5, the SYVVA hosted their first Membership Mixer at the Santa Ynez Inn Coach House. This first-time event focused exclusively on the benefits of membership. More than 75 current and prospective members attended. 

Laura Kath, owner of Mariah Marketing, has worked as the SYVVA media relations and publicist since January 2006.

“We are really looking out for the best interest of the Valley businesses, especially those that rely on tourism. We want to preserve the charm of greater Santa Ynez Valley while still maintaining a thriving tourism environment,” Laura said. 

The SYVVA is responsible for publishing the Annual Visitor’s Guide that includes wine trail maps, directories, information and attractions. The SYVVA also offers member exposure through ad campaigns in Sunset, Westways and the California Travel Guide, as well as online publications and their own unique E-scapes newsletter. For information on membership benefits visit www.syvva.com or call Laura Kath at 1-800-742-2843.