Annual art event helps raise funds and awareness

A painting created during this year's event will be auctioned off that evening.
YOUNGSTOWN -- "Mad About the Arts," an annual fund-raiser for WYSU-FM 88.5 and the McDonough Museum of Arts, marks its 10th anniversary from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday at the museum, 410 Wick Ave.
A "Friends of the Arts Preview" reception begins at 6:30 p.m.
"Since its inception in 1996, 'Mad About the Arts' has become a much anticipated celebration for the Mahoning Valley's arts-loving community," said Gary Sexton, WYSU station director. "The goal of the event is not only to raise funds for WYSU and the McDonough, but to raise awareness of their importance to the community."
The evening's highlights
The work of Youngstown State University art professor Al Bright will be featured. Bright will create a painting during the "Friends of the Arts Preview," accompanied by the music of the Jesse Dandy Jazz Ensemble. The painting will be auctioned later in the evening, with proceeds donated to WYSU and the McDonough.
The dance band Rudy and the Professionals will perform, and new for the 10th anniversary will be hors d'oeuvres prepared by several local restaurants, with the traditional selection of wine, champagne and other beverages provided by regional wine and brewery vendors.
The YSU art department biennial faculty exhibition will be on display. Also, retiring YSU art faculty members Bright, Joe Babisch and Richard Mitchell and longtime WYSU weekend program hosts Martin Berger and Charles Darling will be honored.
Tickets are $30 for WYSU-FM and McDonough members, Fine Arts alumni and YSU faculty, staff and students. Regular admission is $40 and $75 for Friends of the Arts. Tickets can be ordered by calling Susan George, WYSU secretary, at (330) 941-3363.