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Art in the Loft’s 20th anniversary fundraiser Nov. 11

News Photo by Darby Hinkley A lighted sign greets guests upon entering Art in the Loft on the third floor of the Center Building in downtown Alpena.

ALPENA — To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Art in the Loft will host a fundraiser themed “An EMERALD Evening” at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 11.

Tickets are on sale now for the event, which was held annually until 2020, when it was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have not held a fundraiser — an in-person one — since November 2019,” said Art in the Loft Executive Director Justin Christensen-Cooper. “Obviously, being a nonprofit, we put a lot of effort … into these fundraisers, because it’s a need. Any nonprofit needs their community support.”

He expects people will be excited to get dressed up and back out on the town up in the Loft.

“We feel that now, we can safely have a fundraiser, even though it might be on a smaller scale than what people are used to,” Christensen-Cooper said. “You’re not going to see the 150 people up here. We’re only selling 100 tickets.”

Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite fancy green outfit for a fabulous evening, featuring the popular Best Bite Challenge from four local chefs, one-of-a-kind bidding experiences, live music, wine tasting, and a cash bar.

Some of the chefs include Kevin Peterson from Red Brick Tap & Barrel, Sherwood Pita Wagon, and Reid Krebs, who teaches many culinary classes at Art in the Loft. Two more “mystery chefs” will also be joining the roster for the cooking competition, according to Christensen-Cooper.

Tickets are $75 per person for general admission, or $100 per person for the elite package, which includes a bunch of extras which amount to savings.

“That also gets you a free ticket to the wine-tasting bar, which is a $10 value, it gets you $10 in drink tickets, and gives you two beads for our famous heads and tails game, which is to win prizes, which, that right there is a $20 value,” Christensen-Cooper explained.

“Those that buy a ticket, not only are they supporting a longstanding nonprofit in our community, but we are also celebrating the fact that we’ve been around for 20 years,” Christensen-Cooper said. “We finally get a chance to celebrate that, while also making money for a good cause.”

Attendees will be surrounded by beautiful green hues from all the artwork in the juried art show, “Emerald.” Nov. 11 is the last day patrons can enjoy the exhibit.

“As you stroll the gallery and enjoy the EMERALD-inspired atmosphere, you can use your phone or mobile device to place a bid on unique silent auction items, experiences and travel packages donated by local businesses and curated by our creative volunteers,” a press release explained. “After you’ve filled up on delicious food, head over to the first-ever wine tasting table and try some wines that you can bid on during the auction. Guests will also enjoy a fast-paced live auction to benefit the Loft, no matter what your budget.”

One of the auction items is a package that did so well in a silent auction in a previous year, that “we just had to move it to our live auction this year,” Christensen-Cooper said. “That is called ‘Starry, Starry Night,’ where 45th Lens Photography, which is made up of Rick Houchin and Steve Jakubcin take your group of up to 10 to a dark sky park of their choice, and they will take a photo of your group and individually, and teach you and show you how to get pictures of the stars at night, which is super cool.”

The Loft will provides snacks and a bar at the photo shoot as well, he said.

Dark Sky Preserves in our area include Rockport State Recreational Area, Negwegon State Park, and Thompson’s Harbor State Park.

Christensen-Cooper listed a few more auction items.

“For the first time ever, we are auctioning off the Loft for a private Super Bowl party of up to 25 people,” he added.

Another item is a summer flower share from Falls Creek Flowers, which means fresh flowers will be delivered to you every two weeks, from June through September.

Those who cannot attend can purchase a bidder’s only ticket for $25, and bid in real-time from their phone, tablet, or computer at artintheloft.org.

This year’s fundraiser will benefit the Art and the Five Senses program, which is for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and their caregivers. For more about that program, see the article below.

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