Artrageous! fundraiser returns to Wayne Center for the Arts

Founded in 1973, Wayne Center for the Arts is the community’s oldest and most comprehensive visual and performing arts organization. On April 25 the public is invited to attend the center’s annual Artrageous! fundraising event.

The evening will be held at WCA, 237 S. Walnut St., Wooster, starting at 6 p.m. A live auction will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person and may be purchased online at www.WayneArtsCenter.org/artrageous. Cocktail attire is suggested.

“The theme this year is ‘Glow Up,’” said Tiffany Leeper, WCA director of development, “so feel free to wear something fun and bright.”

Leeper said this year’s event will showcase developments happening in the neighborhood and at the arts center. Guests for the evening will support WCA by bidding on live and silent auction items. The lively evening will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, an open bar and live entertainment.

“The main purpose of the event,” Leeper said, “is to raise funds for WCA’s educational and arts access programs, but the event is also about celebrating the past year. We’ll reflect on new projects such as the Arts Park and FabLab (due to open this summer) and talk about the expanded summer concert series, Levitt AMP Wooster.”

The live and silent auctions will feature unique items ranging from original art pieces by local artists to gift packages and unique experiences. Along with the curated original art pieces by local and regional artists, the silent auction also will feature gift baskets and regional attractions.

“The live auction is all about unique and exclusive experiences,” Leeper said.

Robin Carlton donates one of the popular items every year: a custom original artwork by local artist Mike Jackson. The winner will work with Jackson to create a portrait or scene that is meaningful to them.

“It is truly an amazing opportunity to capture a special person or moment in a unique way,” Leeper said.

Hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Mike Mariola Restaurants’ City Square Steakhouse and Mariola Italian.

“Guests will enjoy their delicious pizza and various appetizers,” Leeper said.

There will be vegetarian and vegan options.

“An open bar will feature beer, wine and cocktails and usually offers a signature cocktail in keeping with the theme,” Leeper said.

Wilbur Krebs will perform live music on a steel drum in one tent.

"In another tent,” Leeper said, “we’re going to set up dancing and blacklights so that those who wish can glow.”

Rather than a sit-down event, Leeper described Artrageous! as a grazing and mingling event. There will be a presentation before the live auction.

Funds raised will support WCA’s arts education and access programs including the Creativity Fund, which provides financial aid to community members for classes at the arts center.

“This support is especially important right now,” Leeper said. “In 2021 the American Academy of Pediatrics declared a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health, citing rising rates of depression, anxiety, trauma and loneliness. They also reported that nationally, more than 40% of teenagers report feeling persistently sad or hopeless, and chronic absenteeism has increased significantly since the pandemic.

"Wayne County reflects these same concerns, with particularly high rates of youth suicide ideation and attempts and increasing substance use among teens. Arts education plays a powerful role in addressing these challenges. Research shows that participation in the arts strengthens emotional regulation, empathy, confidence and engagement with learning while also improving academic outcomes and reducing disciplinary issues. Programs supported by Artrageous! help provide safe, supportive, creative environments where people of all ages can connect, express themselves and build resilience.”

The center has a variety of other projects currently underway. The Arts Park and FabLab are currently under construction. This will revitalize the park along Grant Street and include a new playground, basketball court, activities for families, and a new building that will allow classes in glasswork, metalwork and woodworking.

“We are very excited about this new project and are planning a ribbon cutting in June,” Leeper said.

In addition, this summer WCA will continue the Wednesdays on Walnut music series that was piloted last year. This year the center is the recipient of a grant from the Levitt Family Foundation, so Wednesdays on Walnut is becoming Levitt AMP Wooster, one of 15 new grantees in the country. The concerts will be Wednesdays starting May 27.

Artrageous! not only supports a variety of programs, classes, facilities and events that entertain, educate and support the community, but also it provides an opportunity for people to gather and socialize.

“It is a fun night to celebrate art and ensure that our entire community is enriched by the joy of creativity and expression,” Leeper said.