Arts and Entertainment Top Student Artwork to be Auctioned at Downtown Gala

BRADENTON – The artwork of some of Manatee County’s most talented students will be up for bid Saturday, January 31, 2015 when the Manatee Education Foundation hosts the 2015 Heart & Soul Gala and Live Art Auction beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Manatee Performing Arts Center in downtown Bradenton. Proceeds from the gala and auction benefit the arts programs of the School District of Manatee County through the Manatee Education Foundation.
 

Students from Manatee County’s public high schools submitted a total of 124 works of art for this year’s gala, and a jury of professional artists reviewed the submissions and selected the Top 20 which will be auctioned off on Saturday, January 31, 2015. Students will be recognized when their piece of art is auctioned and those students will receive scholarships ranging from $150 to $1,500 in addition to other gifts.  
 
There will be a special Student, Parent and Teacher Gallery Reception this Monday, January 26, 2015, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Manatee Performing Arts Center. The artwork of the Top 20 students will be on display for students, parents and guests to enjoy.
 
This year’s gala is the 8th-annual and more than 275 guests are expected. Summer Smith of Bay News 9 will emcee and Dr. Larry Thompson, President of Ringling College of Art & Design will act as auctioneer. A lengthy list of dignitaries will be on hand, including Manatee County Commissioners Carol Whitmore and John Chappie, Manatee Education Foundation Chair Ross Hodges, and School Board Chairman Bob Gause.
 
The Manatee Education Foundation is an independent 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization that provides support to the School District of Manatee County through a variety of programs that benefit students and teachers. The Foundation acts as a liaison between the private sector and the public school system providing avenues for businesses, industry and community involvement in public education.
 
For additional information, please contact Mary Glass, Executive Director of the Manatee Education Foundation at 251-4937 or visit MEFinfo.org.