Submitted. Picture yourself at the hottest fundraiser in the coolest gallery rubbing elbows with the most caring arts and culture friends in your community! You are only one affordable ticket away from schmoozing the night away at what one After Dark guest last year described as ‘what a wonderful feel – nothing like this in Abbotsford.’
Photo Aerial Artist Amanda Shatzko. Courtesy of The Reach
“That would be because the 13 September 2014 After Dark at The Reach is not a black-tie gala; it’s one of those swanky soirees with chic guest lounges that gained instant traction. It’s where you roll with the good times into the dark of the night – where you indulge in elegant artistic foods, be wowed by dazzling performers and outbid each other on amazing square foot masterpieces created by local leaders, friends and artists,” expound good times sponsors/ committee planners, Tanya Curtis and Brittany Manulak.
It’s where Abbotsford’s pianist Susan Choi & Friends: Yun Jung, violinist and Kevin Park, cellist bring a whole new meaning to ‘hooked on classics’ as they serenade guests upon arrival. These accomplished, award-winning musicians have performed at prestigious competitions and in major concert halls internationally. What about live art aerial performer Amanda Shatzko?! She will leave you breathless as she paints through the beauty of physical movement, dancing around a colorful moment in time until it is captured on canvas. Shatzko’s innovative performances and artwork have definitely shaped new standards in art events and culture, and you can expect a bidding war on her creative piece. She has performed for film and television, live for over 100,000 people in various countries and has had numerous commissions, including an exhibition with The International Gallery Container Art for over 800,000 visitors, plus one by the Government of Canada and WAC to create paintings of athletes live in Whistler/Vancouver during the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Where Shatzko leaves off, Paramount with recording guitarist Roy Duquette and vocalist Darla Kendrick will get you humming and hopping with their blend of favorite top hits. You may have applauded their incredible performance on large cruise ships, at heads of state’s parties, major fundraising events or as opening act for headline entertainers. Kendrick’s talent is in adult contemporary music, where she hones in on R&B, soul, rock and country music influences. Oh, and try to remember to wear your favorite expression for Vancouver caricaturist Ted Couling as he sketches your couples or individual keepsake portrait.
“After Dark at The Reach is about all of you who make art and heritage a vital part of your family’s life and your business culture and, over the years, we have discovered just how much the people of Abbotsford value their special connection to the arts in their community,” says Milt Walker, Chair of The Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford Board. “Leading as example are local businesses that choose to support this event, including masterpiece sponsor: Cap-It International Inc. – Hank & Elaine Funk, guest lounge sponsors: Canadian Western Bank, KPMG, Odlum Brown Limited, RDM Lawyers LLP Relevention Marketing Solutions, TD Bank plus donor S. G. Greening and many others.”
Dollars raised at this joyous celebration will fund crucial hands-on children activities and heritage programs for seniors. Show your community spirit by purchasing your tickets now to After Dark at The Reach on Saturday, September 13 at 7pm at 32388 Veterans Way in Abbotsford. They start at an affordable $100 to $125 per person if you pay by August 16th. Call 604-864-8087; email: info@thereach.ca or go to www.thereach.ca
The Reach is a registered charity and “Class A’ facility in the Fraser Valley that is operated by a small staff team with the assistance of a Board of Directors and 100+ fabulous volunteers. With your support, we will continue to showcase the best in the visual arts by local and international artists, preserve and share the stories of our rich and diverse cultural heritage, provide quality educational programming and offer FREE admission to exhibitions and a wide variety of other cultural events.