For the week of August 20 - 26, 2003

Garden party to be held for Riverfront Project

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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.

 

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