Old San Juan will be celebrated at Art Association’s Beaux Arts Ball

Old San Juan will be celebrated at Art Association’s Beaux Arts Ball

The Art Association of Jacksonville will transport patrons to the historic, colorful neighborhoods of Puerto Rico this spring at the 61st Beaux Arts Ball. Titled “The Streets of Old San Juan,” the event being planned for Saturday, April 28, serves as the primary fundraiser for The Art Association of Jacksonville with proceeds used to promote art appreciation and education for all ages at The David Strawn Art Gallery. The theme was introduced by this year’s general co-chairs, Christine Grojean and Brittany Henry, at the Gallery’s opening reception on February 3.

“As chairs of this year’s Beaux Arts Ball, Brittany and I explored a couple of different ideas for a theme. In the end, we felt the vibrant culture, colorful landscape and rich history of Old San Juan would serve as a beautiful backdrop to the 2018 Beaux Arts Ball,” explained Grojean. The duo is working with set designer Judy Tighe to design the set which will depict the candy-colored brick buildings and blue cobblestone streets of the oldest settlement in Puerto Rico which dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries.

“We have enjoyed working with Judy to achieve a visually interesting set that will illustrate the beauty and exuberance of the second oldest city in the New World,” said Henry. “Christine and I think the theme will not only be striking, but also familiarize our participants and patrons with the vibrant, historic city.”

Grojean and Henry are also working to raise funds to help restore Puerto Rico after Hurricanes Irma and Maria caused billions of dollars in damage last fall. A Puerto Rican-themed dinner will be raffled the night of the Ball, with half of the proceeds to benefit Unidos por Puerto Rico, or United for Puerto Rico, an initiative to provide food, shelter and healthcare to individuals and businesses ravaged by the hurricanes.

Patron and general tickets for the Beaux Arts Ball will be available at the JHS Bowl prior to the coronation on Saturday, April 28, which will begin at 7 p.m. The traditional reception for participants will be held immediately following the coronation at The David Strawn Art Gallery. Dancing will follow and continue until 12 midnight at the Jacksonville Country Club featuring live entertainment by the band “Everyday People.” Patron tickets are $40.00 and include admission to the coronation, reception and dance, while general tickets that include the coronation and reception are $10.00. An interpreter will be available at the coronation for the hearing impaired.

Call the Strawn Art Gallery office at 217.243.9390 for advance tickets and more information.

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