OMI Lights Up The Night With A Fundraising First

Rachel Louchen reports from Ghent. Sight, sound, smell, touch and taste were all accounted for at Omi International Arts Center on Saturday, September 20 for the first Light Into Night, a unique fundraiser that combined an auction, dinner, art exhibit and dance party. Art abounded in every nook and cranny of the grounds as musicians wandered about with various instruments, interpretive dancers performed, guests made funny faces at the photo booth, and the two-story barn displayed visual and video artwork. While “no touching" is usually the first rule at art exhibits, an intriguing aspect of the event was the interaction encouraged of the guests; such as painting a candle and setting it adrift at the pond and participating in a dance performance; quite appropriate for the organization which hosts residency programs for artists, writers, musicians and dancers. These exciting events were all a lead-up to a fantastic family-style farm-to-table dinner by Black Forest Flammkucken and a full-on dance party in the barn, before closing the memorable evening with an auction. Dancer Vincent E. Thomas smiles with executive director Ruth Adams after his dance and movement performance which required the viewers to shout out questions and strike poses.

Writers in residence: Christine Buckley, Anna Ballbona and Nuno Camarneiro.

PS21 site manager Sam Reilly with president Judy Grunberg; Dancers Suzanne Beahrs and Jess Grippo came up from Brooklyn to perform.

Volunteer Max Reisner with residency assistant Cassie Massa; trustee Matthew Doering and Ann Jackowitz.

Julianne Swartz creates bubbles while Julianne Carney accompanies her on violin.

Mellisa Sarris with accordion player Brian Dewan; Megan Caponetto and host committee member (and neighbor) Koethi Zan.

Ghent residents Jen Geddes and Bill Geddes; Board member and NYC office liason Elizabeth Masters and fellow board member Jennie Lamensdorf.