Garden party to be held for Riverfront 
Project
By DANA DUGAN
Express Staff Writer
"We want to bring the artists together in 
the south valley," Janet Barton said while describing the Art in Garden benefit 
being held at Branching Out Nursery, Saturday, Aug. 23, from 4 to 8 p.m. 
The event, held to raise money for the 
Bellevue Riverfront Protection Project, features a silent auction featuring the 
work of valley artists, including Mark Stasz, Les Shanahan, Deb Gelet, Russ 
Lamb, Lynn Toneri, Rob Mays, David Stoecklein, Steve Snyder, Glen Carter, Ginna 
Parsons Lagergren, Larry Meyers, Kirsten Schultz, Will Caldwell, Jennifer 
Bellinger, Christopher Brown and Michael Zapponi. 
There will be only one piece per artist. 
There are sculptures, paintings, jewelry, stepping stones, photography, benches, 
bird baths and houses that have all been donated.
"The artists are very generous in 
supporting the Bellevue Riverfront Protection Project and the Wood River Land 
Trust," Barton said.
A wine reception will be set up during the 
festivities and Full Moon Catering, Sam’s Belle-B-Que, Chester & Jake’s, 
Atkinsons’ Valley Market, DaVinci’s and Buncy’s Catering are providing food. 
Riverbend Beer is donating beer and Hell’s Canyon Vineyard has donated cases of 
wine. 
Entertainment is provided by valley 
musicians Armando Alcalde, Rick Hoel, Deb Kronenburg, and the Kim Stocking 
Acoustic Trio. Veterinarian Jeff King will give a demonstration with a gyrfalcon 
and discuss habitat and wildlife issues.
The venue is especially appealing. 
"Branching Out is like stepping into a 
different world," Barton said. There are different garden rooms and areas that 
will be used to display different types of art, she said. "It’s a beautiful 
space."
Walking around corners in the secret 
garden off North Main Street in Bellevue and a visitor finds enchanting spaces 
adorned with sculpture and vine covered fences where a one of kind bench may be 
sitting.
The event is co-sponsored by the Bellevue 
Riverfront Protection Project, the City of Bellevue and the Wood River Land 
Trust. 
"The goal is to get a lot of people in the 
valley to come enjoy a whole, fun entertainment night," Barton said. "It’s an 
easy $15 donation just to come, eat and have a great time."
Tickets are available at Chapter One in 
Ketchum, the Wood River Land Trust in Hailey and Bellevue Library. The proceeds 
will go towards the acquisition and protection of 12.5 acres along the Big Wood 
River in Bellevue, one of the area’s largest undeveloped riverfront properties.