Themed fundraiser highlights local works
One-of-a-kind art pieces, decadent desserts and lively music filled Leon Hall on Saturday evening as the Ninepipe Art Group (NAG) hosted their 15th annual Valentine’s Day Fundraiser. This year’s theme, The Art of Sound, brought in unique donations from local artists all across the Mission Valley.
NAG is a nonprofit organization comprised of about 15 volunteers who are committed to promoting art and culture in the schools and communities of the Mission Valley. “Members like Connie and Diane Plassay, Patrick Rardin, and Caroline Myhre care so much about the kids and exposing them to the arts,” said NAG member and Charlo art teacher Sharon Hertz, who sees first hand all the good things NAG brings to the Charlo school system.
Local artists donated their work to the Ninepipe Art Group to be sold in Saturday’s silent auction. These proceeds, along with raffle ticket sales and admission fees, help fund events NAG will sponsor throughout the year. “Our main project is Art Camp,” said NAG member, Connie Plassay. The annual Summer Fine Arts Camp is a four day workshop where about 70 students, grades 3-8, explore art through creative activities led by professional artists, teachers, and volunteers. “It [Art Camp] is really a highlight,” said NAG member, Diane Plassay.
In addition to Art Camp, NAG will use the $3,000 raised on Saturday to bring Shakespeare in the Parks and Missoula Children’s Theater to the valley. They also send elementary schools on field trips and offer scholarships to local students pursuing careers in the arts. Twenty scholarships have been awarded since NAG was founded in 2001.
NAG members were hard at work decorating Leon Hall the night before the event. “Every year the decorations get better and better,” said NAG President, Caroline Myhre. Sharon Hertz and her Charlo art classes constructed paper mache instruments for the table decorations to compliment this year’s theme.
The festive atmosphere was complete with the sound of KC and the Valley Cats who played alongside dancing partygoers. “We’ve been playing at the Ninepipe Art Group’s party for about six years,” explained trumpet player and vocalist, KC Sorensen. “We really enjoy playing at these type of family oriented community events.”