Middletown Taste of Art includes wines from South America, Spain

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By James Sprague, Contributing Writer 3:03 PM Tuesday, November 1, 2011

MIDDLETOWN — A local arts organization is offering a sampling of art from regional artists, local food and wine from across the globe to benefit an area student art program.

The Middletown Taste of Art, hosted by the Art Central Foundation, takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 12. at the Forest Hills Country Club. The event will feature silent and live art auctions, cash bar, raffles, wine and appetizers.

It is the fifth year for the event, which raises funds for local arts programs.

This year’s Taste features wines from South America and Spain, artwork from artists at the Pendleton Art Center and local artists Pat Brewer, Ron Bushhorn and Joy Dysart, local fare Stefano’s and All About You Catering, and entertainment by flamenco guitarist Jorge Wojtas, said Jeanie Humphrey, executive board secretary for the Art Central Foundation.

“In the past, we’ve offered wines from various countries and regions and now we’re being more specific,” Humphrey said. “In support of our partnership with Middfest, we are now featuring wines from similar countries.”

The fundraiser was moved this year to Forest Hills due to logistical issues with the Art Central Foundation’s headquarters and is being operated independently this year, in contrast to partnerships in years past, said Humphrey.

“While we have become accustomed to having our events at the Art Central Foundation headquarters in the Temple Arts Building, the uncertainty of our ability to remain in the building and the inability to access the elevators in the bank building next door, are driving our decision to host the event at another downtown location this year,” she said.

All proceeds from the Middletown Taste of Art will be donated to the Art Central Foundation’s Summer Art Workshops program for local students in financial need, Humphrey said.

“The Summer Art Workshops offer classes to children with an interest in the visual arts, but with a financial need that prohibits them from attending traditional summer art camps,” she said. “Students are nominated by their school art teachers and go through a selection process to be accepted into the program.”

The workshops are kept small in order for the children to receive more detailed instruction, Humphrey said, and the program is the focal point of the event.

“Our hope is to not only raise funds, but to continue to generate visibility and awareness of this important program,” Humphrey said.

Contact this writer at spragoo1977@yahoo.com.