Besser Museum Season of Light Gala Nov. 20

ALPENA -- Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan will be closed to the public through Nov. 20 as staff and volunteers create this year's Season of Light holiday exhibit.

Exhibit designer, DeLynn Medina, has been working with Executive Director Christine Witulski to create something new and magical for the holiday season. This year's design will have a touch of Mardi Gras flair. A number of nonprofit partners will be joining in the fun by decorating a Christmas tree to showcase the mission of their organizations and the services they provide to the community throughout the year.

The exhibit will open with an evening Season of Light Gala, for museum members only, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20.

This free members-only event is a way for the Besser Museum Board of Trustees to express their gratitude for the support members provide throughout the year. Annual museum memberships help provide the financial support needed to operate the museum and fulfill the mission to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit the cultural artifacts of Northeast Michigan. Many museum volunteers help with artifact preservation, exhibit development, landscaping/gardening, and festival days. Museum members will also enjoy hors d'oeuvres provided by JJ's Catering. This exclusive evening event is the best time to experience the Season of Light exhibit. The exhibit will open to the public on Monday, Nov. 21.

Besser Museum will also be launching their museum members-only Holiday Raffle. Tickets for this annual fundraiser will be available through Nov. 20 and can only be purchased by museum members. The Season of Light Gala and Holiday Raffle are part of the Besser Museum's Membership Drive. Museum memberships are an affordable way to support the museum while receiving all the benefits of being a museum member.

There are three ways to participate in the Membership Drive Holiday Raffle giveaway for a chance drawing to win one of several beautiful prizes.

1. If you are not a Besser Museum member, you can purchase a new museum membership now through Nov. 19 and receive one complimentary Holiday Raffle ticket.

2. If you are already a museum member, you can purchase a museum membership to give to someone this holiday season and receive one complimentary Holiday Raffle ticket.

3. If you are a museum member, you can purchase Holiday Raffle tickets for $10 each now through Nov. 20.

Although the museum will be closed for public tours while setting the exhibit, the office will be open between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. now through Nov. 19 to purchase memberships and Holiday Raffle tickets. The raffle drawings will take place on Nov. 20 at the Season of Light Gala. Museum memberships must be current in order to attend the free gala. All members attending the Season of Light Gala will receive one complimentary raffle ticket. Winners do not need to be present to win. All proceeds benefit the Besser Museum.

For information about the Holiday Raffle prizes, visit bessermuseum.org or call 989-356-2202.