Red Light At Night: Art Omi's 2023 Benefit Gala

Of all of the artsy events in the Rural Intelligence region, Art Omi's annual Light Into Night gala is one that’s definitely not to be missed. After all … you just never know what you'll see there. This year’s fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 23 featured performances by drag artists JackieLynn, Meredith Bricks, Janine Extreme, Veela Peculiar, and Davon Rainey, with a “revealing” climax by duo Reed Rushes and Kate Williams. Hudson’s own Lil Deb’s Oasis provided the tropical comfort food, and Magnolia Bakery supplied the dessert. A live auction led by Andrew McVinish saw guests raise their paddles to be the highest bidder on trips to Germany, the Canadian Rockies, a Colorado ski lodge, and a historic Montreal loft. An additional paddle raise offered guests a chance to support the important work of Art Omi’s art education programs through school visits, scholarships, and supplies. Their generosity helps Omi’s mission of “amplifying voices that haven’t been before,” said Executive Director Ruth Adams, who then proposed a toast to “the transformative power of art.”