July 2, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, please contact:

Noel Feeley, Interim Director

(814) 472-3920

Travis Mearns, Public Relations Coordinator

(724) 238-6015

SAMA PREPARES FOR "A STARRY NIGHT IN PARIS"

Loretto – Guests of the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art’s 29^th annual Gala this summer will find themselves spending "A Starry Night in Paris." The magical French theme will create an atmosphere of fun and gaiety while providing a backdrop for what should be one of the Museum’s most memorable events.

The Gala will be held on Saturday, July 21 on the campus of Saint Francis University in Loretto. The evening begins at 6 p.m. in the Museum Gallery. From there, guests will proceed to a tent over the campus mall, where they first will be greeted by a large Eiffel Tower replica at the tent entrance. A Parisian Café will be the focal point under the tent, and blue star lights hanging from the canopy will add to the ambience.

During the evening, guests will enjoy a delectable French-themed cuisine, including cheese and chocolate fondues. Appetizers, hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet dinner, and cocktails, including five special martinis, also will be served. The early stages of the evening will feature piano music by Zupe, and guests will later have an opportunity to dance the night away to the Pittsburgh band, The Groove Doctors. Serving as Gala Chair is Rosemary Jorden of Altoona.

This year’s silent auction will feature a wide variety of antiques, plants, fashion accessories and jewelry. Approximately 30 pieces of original artwork by local artists will be featured, as will jewelry designed by Dede Kazmaier of Hollidaysburg. A live auction will feature several higher-end items, including works of art by Ron Donoughe, Charles Olson and Joe Servello.

Over the years, the Gala has evolved into one of the largest and most successful outdoor fundraisers in Western and Central Pennsylvania. The proceeds from the event enable the Museum’s four facilities – Altoona, Johnstown, Ligonier Valley and Loretto – to remain open to the public free of charge. The event also helps to underwrite the Museum’s world-class exhibitions and innovative Arts-in-Education and Arts-in-Healing programs. Tickets to the Gala are $175 per person. For more information about the Gala, or to make reservations, call the Museum or visit www.sama-art.org.