Many causes tug at my heart strings. But I'll admit it. When someone asks me to buy a ticket to a fundraiser, my first question isn't, "What's the cause?" It's, "Is this actually going to be fun?" Every once in a while, an event comes along where the answer is an easy yes. For me, that's ArtParty.
Presented by First State Bank, the Anton Art Center's 35th Annual ArtParty is getting a spectacular makeover this year, moving from its familiar tent to the historic Emerald Theatre in downtown Mount Clemens. Honestly, I can't think of a better match. The Emerald has always been a place where people gather to be entertained, and on Thursday, September 17, it will become the backdrop for one of Macomb County's most anticipated evenings.
This year's theme, Join the Masquerade, is perfect for our September Style issue. Think rich shades of purple accented with hints of orange, live music filling the theater, incredible food around every corner, and a room full of people celebrating the arts. Masks are completely optional, but if you've been waiting for an excuse to wear that fabulous cocktail dress, sharp jacket or statement accessory, this is your moment. If dressing up isn't your thing, that's okay too. The only requirement is showing up ready to have a great time.
Guests will enjoy a strolling Taste of Macomb featuring more than 20 local restaurants and caterers, live entertainment by The Groove Council, interactive art experiences, raffles, cocktails and the kind of conversations that remind you why community events matter. It's one of those rare evenings where you'll recognize familiar faces, meet new ones and leave wondering why you don't do this more often.
When I sat down with Executive Director Matt Matthews, I expected to hear about the new venue and the masquerade theme. We talked about both. But it was one story that stayed with me long after our conversation ended.
Last December, during one of the Anton Art Center's busiest weekends, the building's aging elevator failed, leaving a visitor who uses a wheelchair stranded on the lower level. Thankfully, staff were able to safely resolve the situation, but the incident changed everything. The conversation was no longer about maintaining an old elevator. It became about accessibility, dignity and making sure everyone who walks through those doors has the same opportunity to experience art.
The replacement grew into a $235,000 project, and the community responded in an extraordinary way. Matt told me about generous five-figure donations, but then he smiled and shared the gift he can't stop thinking about—an envelope containing three dollars.
Three dollars.
That's the donation I can't stop thinking about either.
Because communities aren't built by the biggest gifts. They're built when everyone decides to do what they can. Today, more than $170,000 has already been raised, proving just how much this community believes in the Anton Art Center and its mission.
What surprised me most is that ArtParty isn't funding the elevator. That campaign has been raised separately. ArtParty remains the Anton Art Center's largest annual fundraiser, providing the unrestricted support that keeps exhibitions, art classes, youth programming and community outreach thriving all year long.
This year's Honorary Chair, Dr. Sharman Davenport, President and CEO of Turning Point, is a fitting reminder that art does far more than decorate our walls. Through the partnership between Turning Point and the Anton Art Center, survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking have found healing through creative expression. During this year's celebration, guests can also experience Wishes on the Wind, an exhibition featuring artwork created by survivors.
“Art is a powerful part of healing and our partnership with the Anton Art Center brings that healing directly to the survivors we serve,” said Dr. Davenport.
I think that's what makes ArtParty so special. Yes, you'll enjoy exceptional food, live music and a beautiful evening inside one of downtown's most iconic buildings. You'll probably laugh, reconnect with friends and admire a few creative masquerade outfits along the way. But you'll also leave knowing your ticket helped support an organization that makes our community more creative, more welcoming and more accessible for everyone.
Some evenings simply entertain us. The best ones remind us why we're proud to call this community home.
I'll see you at the Emerald.
Tickets are $85 or $160 for two; available for purchase online at www.theartcenter.org/artparty.
“The Anton Art Center brings that healing directly to the survivors we serve.” --Dr. Davenport