The Sacramento Artists Council brought together artists and guests to an enjoyable evening during its 1st Annual Masquerade Gala event. This elegant Masquerade is one of two major events held, by this council, during the year to raise funds and support art scholarships for local students.

This social event also helps raise grants for artists, musicians and filmmakers in the Sacramento area. The recipient of this year’s grant was Juliana Zachariou.

Several outfits worn by those who attended the event spent quite a bit of time creating their outfits for the Masquerade. Several outfits had integrated beautiful designs created by those who wore some stunning dresses.

Compliments were heard all around as guests socialized while admiring art. Walking down the hallways of the Sacramento Art Complex, where the event was held, many compliments were heard; “You look so darling. Turn around let me see the whole outfit. Beautiful! Did you make that? Your make-up is stunning. Oh my gosh, you look dazzling. Your hair looks marvelous.” were some of the many compliments uttered by guests to each other.

At times it seemed as if a movie was being filmed. It had a European feel to it. Many wore stunning outfits and all looked like they were ready for a Masquerade Ball. Classical music played in the background. The Sacramento School of Music String Trio played to the delight of the guests and provided a great setting for the event. Beautiful music played as guest mingled and enjoyed studio tours by resident artists.

The no-host cocktail reception for this event began at 4 p.m. Rail Bridge Cellars had a bar in the patio in the back of the complex. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a sitting area were available for guests to enjoy food and drink as well as a place to catch up on current events and the night’s festivities.

Guests were able to walk around both floors of the art complex and enjoy the art in many studios. Several artists were on hand to talk and answer questions about their art. Many of the auction items were donated by in-house artists. Many who donated proceeds from their art gave at least 20% of the winning bid price back to the Sacramento Artists Council and several donated 100%.

Dinner was provided and this gave guests a chance to chat amongst other guests at their tables. Several guests purchased a bottle (or two) of wine to enjoy during their dinner. The dinner was hosted by Classique Catering. After their delicious dinner guests enjoyed tantalizing deserts provided by Baby Cakes Bakery.

Mark Rabinovitz, Vice President, of the Sacramento Artists Council came to the microphone as guests were sitting to eat their dinner. He began by declaring; “The council is the brainchild of Susan Rabinovitz. She’s an artist in this building and she’s always been interested in art and always has had the sincere desire to assist people and to aid people to help out and do things that will result in something good. A lot of things have come from the artists we’ve met and been associated with and it’s the reason why we are here.”

Mark went on to discuss another of their main events and what comes out of these fundraising events. Mark continued, “We’ll be doing another Art Happens in July and that will be outdoors it’s more of a festival type environment. What the masquerade does is that it raises money to provide a grant or scholarship and each year we’ll be notifying and introducing you to the recipients so that you can see where the money is going. This year’s recipient will be performing in a few minutes her name is Juliana Zachariou She was actually part of our Art Happens event. She’s a great girl with a beautiful voice. Her application emphasized the need for some recording support. She filled out the lengthily application and we decided she will be receiving the grant this year so congratulations Juliana. “

Mark went on to introduce the board which includes Board Founder and Executive Director Susan Rabinovitz, President, Scott Mitchell, Vice President himself (Mark Rabinovitz), Secretary, Wendy Mitchell and Treasurer, Dylan Swann. Other board members were Jodie Kerhlikar, Gary Garley, and Karen Dukes. Alister Oliver, resident artist, put together the fashion show that was to follow the auction.

Juliana Zachariou played several songs during dinner. Her parents and sister were on hand to lend their support. Juliana was the second place winner for the Contemporary Music 2010 JAMMIES and has been showcasing her talents around the Sacramento Area. Juliana is a very talented young artist and her music is quite striking. I’ve seen her perform a couple of time in Sacramento and seen her parents at the events being very supportive. You can follow her on her facebook account.

Susan Rabinovitz conducted the live auction part of the event and started off by giving thanks to the guests. She also made mention that the Sacramento Arts Council is helping to partner with individuals, businesses and artists to collaborate on putting together events such as the Masquerade to help the artistic community of Sacramento. She went on to say, “This event is one of the major things we’re trying to do as a council we’re trying to find partnerships within the community to help put on events like this so that people such as artists and business actually gather to help each other and make amazing evenings to enjoy and make it a win-win event for everyone.’

Susan continued, “I’m glad to announce because of you we were actually able to give a little bit of money and help Juliana with her recording. This was just amazing because she was one of the JAMMIES winners. She actually played at our Art Happens event and one of the things that was so amazing was that the three winners of the event played. Thanks for your support.”

The silent and live auction followed dinner. Approximately 30 pieces of art were held for auction. Once the live auction began several of the pieces generated lively bids with guests trying to outbid each other.

The talents of Alister Oliver followed the live auction. Alister Photography presented a Fashion Show. In partnership with Make-up by Treja, GiRl N LeAtHer & Face It Salon, Spa and Boutique and make-up sponsor Face Altelier a lively fashion show put a wonderful ending to the event.

Alister was labeled as Hidari Maki by artist Marbo Barnard which means left wrapped or reversed from normal, as he put it “Hidari Maki therefore, is used to mean crazy”. He also introduced a quarterly magazine called Hidari Maki and its next issue will be out January 1, 2011. He announced that the models would be available after the show to pose with guests. Alister ended by thanking those who were involved in the Fashion Show and thanked all in attendance for being there.

The 2nd Annual Art Happens will take place in June 2011. This Masquerade Gala event was very well put together and attended. Tickets sold out and it may have outgrown the Art Complex however if it is held here again next year be sure to purchase your tickets early for the 2nd Annual Masquerade Gala.

 Photos by David Alvarez Photography

(View more photos from this event at Masquerade Gala)