For the coming Mardi Gras weekend, Harrisburg art lovers will be given the opportunity to spend a night as their favorite literary characters at one of the year’s most stylish events.
Pictured: Scenes from last year’s Bal Masque. Photos by M.R. Gruber Photography. www.gruberpix.com
On March 1, the Art Association of Harrisburg will hold the 2014 Bal Masque at the Appalachian Brewing Co.’s Abbey Bar in downtown Harrisburg.
“The Art Association has held a Mardi Gras costume party called the Bal Masque since 1941, each with a different theme,” said Art Association President Carrie Wissler-Thomas. “This year, we’ve picked ‘Literary Allusions.’ It’s a very broad theme that we thought people would enjoy dressing up for. Guests can come as their favorite author, as a character from a book, as a depiction of the title of a book—all kinds of things. It’s always amazing to me how creative people can be with their costumes.”
While traditional party attire is welcomed, costume-wearers will be eligible for prizes in a variety of categories. The evening will also include a silent auction on literary themed gift packages, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and performances that include DJ sets by Chuck Schulz and Jonathan Frazier, psychic readings by Dr. Edward North and new-school jazz by singer Erica Lyn Everest. Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse will serve as the Bal Masque’s honorary chairman.
In addition to being one of the year’s biggest parties, the proceeds from the Bal Masque provide the Art Association with much of the funding needed for its educational programs and exhibits.
“The Art Association of Harrisburg School has about 30 different classes a year for both kids and adults,” said Wissler-Thomas, “and our gallery at 21 N. Front Street holds eight exhibits per year that are free to the public to visit, seven days a week. The money that comes in from our fundraisers helps to keep us available for the public to enjoy.
The 2014 Bal Masque will be held on Saturday, March 1 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Appalachian Brewing Co.’s Abbey Bar, 50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg. Admission is $50 for open seating and $80 for reserved gallery seating. Tickets can be purchased online at artassocofhbg.com or by calling 717-236-1432.
