Benefit gala to feature works of art and music

YOUNGSTOWN — The public is invited to dance the night away during the 13th annual Mad About the Arts celebration Feb. 20 at the McDonough Museum of Art, on the campus of Youngstown State University.

This year’s Friends of the Arts preview reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will feature Brady’s Leap, a five-piece Celtic band, select hors d’oeuvres, and beverages.

Afterward, the Second Avenue Band will provide classic renditions of rhythm and blues, swing, jazz and top 40 numbers for dancing from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Throughout the evening there will be an exceptional selection of wines, champagnes, and micro-brews available, along with hors d’oeuvres and dessert samplings from fine food and beverage vendors in the area.

On display during the event will be the long-awaited “2009 Alumni Exhibition.” This exhibit honors department of art graduates, representing more than 35 years of art education at YSU.

Mad About the Arts benefits SMARTS (Students Motivated by the Arts) and the McDonough Museum of Art, a center for contemporary ideas, art, education and community. SMARTS is a K-16 quality arts education partnership between YSU College of Fine and Performing Arts, the Beeghly College of Education, Youngstown City Schools, and other vital arts organizations in the area.

Friends of the Arts tickets are $75 and include the prereception. Regular admission is $40, and the cost for McDonough members, fine arts alumni, YSU faculty/staff and students is $30. For r++++eservations, mail ticket orders and the full payment to SMARTS, 258 Federal Plaza West, Youngstown, Ohio 44503, by Feb. 13. Space is limited, and only cash or checks will be accepted at the door. For more information call (330) 941-2787.