At this museum fundraiser, everything's on the table
There’s something to be said about a properly dressed table — crisp white linen tablecloth, golden chargers, calligraphy-written place cards, a centerpiece that initiates conversation, fun party favors.
But for Washington County Museum of Fine Arts’ fundraiser Amazing Tablescapes, that’s way too boring.
No, these tables are decked out as if Alice fell down the hole. Think of high design and bold colors. Think of fantastic imagery and whimsy. Think outside of the box. Think art.
More:Every object tells a story. Do you know how to listen?
After two years online, Amazing Tablescapes returns in person to the museum’s Kaylor Atrium. A preview party is set for Thursday, Feb. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. For those more comfortable wearing face coverings in public, a special masks-only preview hour will run from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. that day — take out treats will be provided.
Cost for either preview option is $100 per person. Students from Barbara Ingram School for the Arts will perform selected music from their upcoming production, “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical.”
That evening, guests can mingle with designers, get a first look at the tablescapes and vote with their dollars for whom they believe deserves the People’s Choice Award.
Because the tables have returned, we have decided to extend the number of days Amazing Tablescapes can be viewed in person. The tablescapes will be on view in the atrium from Feb. 3-12. The museum is closed Monday, Feb. 6.
Admission into the atrium is $5. Admission to the museum itself remains free.
During the reception, guests may vote on the Amazing Tablescapes entries by cash or card. Those who can’t make it to see the tablescapes in person,can still go online at https://wcmfa.org/amazing-tablescapes to vote for their favorite designers.
Last year’s entries ran the gamut from a Mad Hatter theme by People Choice winner Dayna Gregory, to gingerbread houses, musical metal figurines and fairies. This year’s entries are just as imaginative.
Entries include:
Naomi Byler, “Valentine Evening”
Laura Chalupka, “A Homage to Marie”
Sherry Cramer, “Miss Havishman’s Wedding Breakfast”
Barbara Diefenderfer, Weaver’s Roundtable, “Holiday Fantasy”
Kandy Douglas, Vikki Beyers and Doris Hoppengardner, “Which Came First?”
Cindy Downs, “Diana of the Chase”
Dayna Gregory, “Buzz Worthy”
Sarah Hall and Jamie Gruzska, “Garçon! More Fur”
Hana Malone, “On Deck”
Bob Morgan, “Winter Midnight”
Barbara Pengelly, “Dinner with Poseidon”
Sukey Rankin, “Oink, Moo, Cock-a-Doodle-Doo”
Tammy Staley, “Teeny Tiny Tables”
Donna Staley, “Teddy Bear Picnic,” (this entry is online only)
Dale Stein and Dave Ryan, “A Bikini Bottom Brunch, inspired by SpongeBob: The Musical”
Denny Warrenfeltz, “Church Picnic Celebrating 190 Years”
To purchase tickets to the preview reception, contact Donna at 301-739-5727, or to purchase by PayPal https://wcmfa.org/amazing-tablescapes. Beginning Feb. 3, the link will be live for online voting through Feb. 28.
Support for Amazing Tablescapes is provided by Dr. Robert and Marjorie Hobbs, Blackie and Ginny Bowen, Mr. and Mrs. James N. Holzapfel, William Pitzer, Paul and Lotta Mellott, David McCain, Visit Hagerstown-Washington County, MD; The Hershey Group of RBC Wealth Management, Roger Fairbourn, Lee and Pat Stine, Dr. and Mrs. George Manger, Dr. and Mrs. Hugh Talton, Charles and Cheryl Strong, Doug Mills and Beth Beckner-Mills, Dean and Ashley Notabartolo, Emmet and Mary Anne Burke, and Sherry Cramer.
Come and see these Amazing Tablescapes entries in person this year, and help raise funds for the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts.
Crystal Schelle is director of marketing and communications for Washington County Museum of Fine Arts in Hagerstown. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Visit wcmfa.org for upcoming exhibitions and events.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Amazing Tablescapes returns to Washington County Museum of Fine Arts
