As attendees ventured towards the venue, they were greeted by stilt walkers and the soft sound of classical music. After turning a corner towards check-in, Iluminar Aerial student performers and Elevated Circus fire throwers impressed the gathering crowd. This was only the beginning of the evening of performances and interactive attractions featured at the 1st Annual Creative Immersion Gala premiered by the Broomfield Council on the Arts & Humanities.
The air of mystery and glamor created by the circus arts was mirrored in the masks and fashions of attendees. From handcrafted masks and light-up gowns to elegantly matched attire of couples in attendance, it was as if Broomfield was hosting the Met Gala.
Beyond the enjoyment of participating in the masquerade theme, attendees were entertained by a solo cellist performance by Chas Barnard of Sohap Ensemble, a humorous storytelling session by Broomfield Spellbinder Julie Toepper, modern dance performance by Chadash Contemporary Dance Movement, and one of the top favorited sets of the event -- Flatirons Community Orchestra.
Laughter echoed the hallways as attendees continued their night after the seated portion of the event ended. They took selfies, played lively games of wine toss, won art made by local artists from a claw machine, created art with the Broomfield Art Guild, learned calligraphy from Broomfield Sister Cities, and looked at stars with Standley Lake Stargazing group. Many attendees dared to envelope
themselves in a hypnagogic, immersive art room made by BCAH's Art Team and Lumonics Light & Sound Gallery to look like an old woman's living room complete with an odd collection of spoons and jars, toppling plates frozen in midair, a smoking grandmother clock, and psychedelic film on loop.
One attendee remarked how the event was intriguingly different than any other local gala, while another proclaimed it to be a successful inaugural event for the nonprofit.
When asked if they met their fundraising goal for the event, BCAH Executive Director Keri Dillingham explained, "The paddle-raising goal set by our staff and Board of Directors was nearly reached with the gap closed by our sponsors for the evening, but the real achievement was drawing supporters to a brand new gala, giving them an unusually exciting experience, and offering a glimpse into the many ways that BCAH has presented and supported arts, culture and science programming in Broomfield since 1973."
If you missed this year's event, open your calendar now, mark down next year’s event as a “must-attend,” and start thinking about what you will wear to this glittering, masquerade soiree. In the meantime, become a donor of this long-standing nonprofit and follow BCAH'S social media accounts for updates on their 2nd Annual Gala and the multitude of other events offered year-round.
BCAH works to ensure engaging, diverse experiences are accessible by all, which is why:
- 90% of BCAH's staff-presented programs are free to attend
- 50% of BCAH's director-led programs have low-cost admission
- Majority are presented locally