On September 27th, we had our first festival and fundraiser at the gallery. Jacob and I joined and worked with the non-profit TownFolk to put on the first annual Victory Festival to raise money for the Victory Garden Jillian Johnson designed. The event-coordinator, Kelly Russo, dreamed up the idea for the event. The Victory Festival brought the largest crowd we have ever seen at the gallery so far. We raised over $16k for the Victory Garden thanks to everyone who contributed!
Photo courtesy of Hector LaSala and Celeste White
The festival started at the Victory Garden down the street from the gallery. TownFolk and the crowd broke ground in the garden for the first time.
Photo courtesy of Hector LaSala and Celeste White
Photo courtesy of Hector LaSala and Celeste White
We had a silent art auction in the gallery of art work that was created out of inspiration for Jillian and her life's work. Most of the art was created specifically for the event from friends of Jillian.
"Queen of Arrows" by Joe Speyrer
"A Typical Day" by Aileen Bennett
Pelican Cuff from Mimosa Handcrafted
"Ukulele" by Burton Durand
"Words to Live By" by me
There was also a special performance by The Figs.
Photo courtesy of Hector LaSala and Celeste White
Photo courtesy of Hector LaSala and Celeste White
"Coal Miner's Daughter", Jillian's favorite movie, played outside of the building on a projector screen after the sun went down, and movie-watchers were also able to watch the lunar eclipse.
Photo courtesy of Southern Screen Film Festival
Jacob and I manned the auction/info table in the front gallery for most of the night.
Overall, the event was really fun and successful. Getting it together was stressful at times but totally worth it. I'm really proud of all that we have accomplished so far, and I am so excited to see the garden coming to life.