Art Association of Harrisburg
The Art Association of Harrisburg is bringing back its signature event featuring music, food and extravagant costumes.
The 2022 Blue-Green Gala to support the local arts organization will take place on April 2 at the Country Club of Harrisburg.
“It’s always a big event,” said President Carrie Wissler-Thomas. “Everybody needs a chance to get dressed up and get wild and crazy and have a good time.”
This is the association’s first year holding the event since the beginning of the pandemic. Last year’s gala was held virtually.
Wissler-Thomas said that the annual gala, which began in 1941, has always been a grand social event. However, it also plays a big role in raising funds to support the association.
“We do depend on this,” Wissler-Thomas said. “It’s very supportive for us.”
Historically, the event has incorporated themed costumes. Previously called the bal masqué, the gala brought in artists dressed to themes such as “Hollywood,” “Las Vegas” and “time machine,” among others. This year’s theme is “blue-green,” and attendees are encouraged to dress in those colors. That could include anything from a blue gown to a green Grinch-inspired outfit, Wissler-Thomas said.
Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams and philanthropist Peggy Grove, chair of the event, will judge the costume contest.
During the cocktail hour, the band, The Two Beat Dames, will play music from the 1920s, and DJ Jonathan Frazier will provide music for the rest of the evening.
The Country Club will serve a plated dinner, as well as hors d’oeuvres and dessert.
There will also be a silent auction featuring art pieces to bid on and a wine pull.
Over the years, the gala has been held at locations around the city, some formal, others casual. Event organizers were constantly reimagining the event to fit with the changing times.
When the gala first started, hundreds of people would attend wearing elaborate costumes. Funds raised at the galas even allowed the Art Association to purchase its current building on Front Street.
“It was really the big social event of Harrisburg,” Wissler-Thomas said.
She doesn’t know yet what to expect of attendance this year, but hopes the event will be a success.
Tickets are available for purchase and required for the event. The association prefers that attendees register by March 15.
“It’s going to be fun,” Wissler-Thomas said. “We all need that right now.”
The Country Club of Harrisburg is located at 401 Fishing Creek Valley Rd., Harrisburg. For more information or to purchase tickets to the Art Association’s Blue-Green Gala, visit their website.
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