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Dear AAH Community,
It’s hard to believe that this year marks the 15th Arts As Healing Gala.
You might be wondering how that’s possible when Arts As Healing was founded in 2013. As I’ve learned more about the history of this organization, I discovered that the story actually begins much earlier.
In 2005, AAH founder Vicki Friedman and Dr. DiPersio, a remarkable physician whose many accomplishments could fill a book, began bringing art to patients at Siteman Cancer Center. What started there grew into something much bigger. Vicki expanded the program, offering free art classes and creating opportunities for people impacted by cancer to experience the connection, creativity and healing that art can provide.
The Gala has its own special history, too. The first "Gala" was held in 2010 at Duane Reed Gallery in the Central West End. Duane generously opened his gallery to host an exhibition of artwork created by AAH participants, helping launch what has become one of our most important annual celebrations. The Gala quickly outgrew the gallery, but Duane has remained a generous supporter of Arts As Healing throughout the years.
And there are so many other people who have helped Arts As Healing grow and continue its work. Our Honorary Chair, Kathy Pietoso, is one of them. Kathy owns Café Napoli, and this year she is helping us celebrate in a special way. If you reserve a table of 10 by October 31, you’ll receive a $100 Café Napoli gift certificate. It’s a great reason to gather your friends for a wonderful evening while supporting Arts As Healing.
The Art of Coming Together
Please join us for Gala XV on Saturday, December 12, from 6:30–9:30 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis.
The evening will honor two extraordinary physicians who have given so much to Arts As Healing and the people we serve: Dr. Vicky Fraser and Dr. Steve Miller.
When you arrive, you’ll enjoy champagne, wine and soft drinks while exploring our participant art exhibition. You’ll have the opportunity to enter our artwork raffle, enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres and gourmet culinary stations, and take in an evening of live music and a little magic. A cash bar will also be available.
And, of course, there will be some Arts As Healing favorites:
Circle of Hope Bracelets
Our beautiful bracelets are created by AAH participants using sterling silver and Swarovski crystal beads. They make wonderful gifts, and every purchase helps support free art experiences for people impacted by cancer or chronic illness.
Golden Ticket Raffle
Our Golden Ticket raffle will feature several premier packages. Purchase your ticket during the evening and you’ll have a chance to take home one of these special prizes. More details to come.
Collaborative Artwork Auction
This year’s featured collaborative artwork is The Kiss, created by Arts As Healing participants and inspired by Gustav Klimt’s iconic masterpiece. Each participant contributed a section of the work, which was then brought together to create one beautiful piece. We'll have two additional collaborations up for auction—you won't want to miss this opportunity.
And then we’ll come together for Fund the Need, an important part of the evening and an opportunity to help shape what comes next for Arts As Healing.
The Gala is a celebration, but it is also how we raise the funds that make our work possible. Your support helps us continue offering free art classes, bring art directly to patients in hospitals, develop new partnerships, train and support volunteers, and reach more people with the therapeutic benefits of art.
As I begin my first year as Executive Director, I’m honored to be part of the continuing story of Arts As Healing. I hope you’ll join us on December 12 as we celebrate where Arts As Healing has been, where we are today, and where we can go together.
Tickets are now available!
Saturday, December 12 | 6:30–9:30 p.m.
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis
Gala XV: The Art of Coming Together
Purchase tickets and learn more:
ArtsAsHealing.org/GalaXV
With gratitude,
Amanda Miller
Executive Director
Arts As Healing
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