October 18, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, please contact:

Barbara Hollander, SAMA-Altoona Coordinator

(814) 946-4464

Travis Mearns, Public Relations Coordinator

(724) 238-6015

ALTOONA FUNDRAISER SET TO SPARKLE

            Altoona – The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Altoona is set to celebrate its fifth annual fundraiser, and this year’s event is sure to sparkle. Over the years, the fundraiser has come to be known for combining the excitement of big city clubbing with a night of high fashion and fine dining, and guests at this November’s Bejeweled and Be Dazzled: The Art of Style will be treated to the same atmosphere that has turned it into one of the area’s most anticipated events. Bejeweled and Be Dazzled is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, November 2. Serving as chairperson is Jim Cayce of Hollidaysburg.

            The event will be held at SAMA-Altoona, located in the Brett Building at 1210 Eleventh Avenue, and next door at The Columns. Cocktails, buffet dinner, dancing and a spectacular style show produced by Kevin Charles Fine Clothing for Men & Women are a few of the evening’s highlights. At The Columns, guests can peruse the silent auction, which will include several works of art created by local artists. Other items up for bidding include a progressive gourmet wine dinner for eight and a week’s stay at a vacation home in Delaware. Keeping in the “Bejeweled” theme, SAMA also will hold a raffle for a 14 karat white gold pendant set with diamonds and genuine tourmalines, donated by Kranich’s Jewelers. Guests will have an opportunity to purchase tickets for this beautiful piece, designed and made in Italy and valued at $1600, for $25 per ticket.

            SAMA-Altoona Coordinator Barbara Hollander said the Museum’s Art of Style fundraiser is a perfect opportunity to have a night of fun while supporting local arts. “The excitement that this event generates is contagious. The sponsorships, donations and support from the community have been overwhelming,” she said. “It’s great that we can all go out and have such a fun evening, but at the same time, do something that makes a difference in the community. I believe this museum is the jewel of our community, and I appreciate all the support and recognition that we receive.”

            Dress for Bejeweled and Be Dazzled is casual chic. Tickets are available for $75 per person. Reservations are required by October 30 and can be made by calling the Museum at (814) 946-4464. Valet parking will be available.

            Funds raised will help support the Altoona Museum and keep its doors open to the public free of charge. The Museum has been serving the Blair County community since 1979 with world-class exhibitions and award-winning education programs. The facility was designed with state-of-the-art exhibition and storage space for artwork, and houses the Altoona Area Library’s rare collection of albumen photographic prints by William H. Rau, the official photographer for the Pennsylvania Railroad at the turn of the 20^th century. Currently on view at the Museum is Artists in Our Midst, Art in Common’s annual juried exhibition, on view through November 4, and From the Conemaugh to the Three Rivers: Vintage Photographs of William H. Rau, on view through November 18. The Museum is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. weekends. For more information on the Museum, please visit www.sama-art.org.