Ladies’ Magical Night

"It started as a discussion at the June curatorial committee meeting – what event can replace the Lois Hill Jewelry Sale that would not be taking place this December. Arabella suggested bringing in potters to sell reasonably priced holiday ornaments and it grew from there! In September, a committee was formed to define, plan and coordinate the event. The idea grew and grew until the committee came down to reality as to what we could realistically do in the couple of months that we had to plan, coordinate and host the holiday events. There were a few bumps in the road getting there but if you haven’t heard yet, Ladies’ Magical Night and Make it Magical family day events were a success! More than 150 shoppers and browsers stopped in for Ladies’ Magical Night on December 1st, 2011.

Many were new faces to the Arts Center, at least in the two years I have been here. Our guests enjoyed lively entertainment from Hillcrest’s steel drum band and beautiful piano music by Brenda Raabe’s students, Victoria de Lissovoy’s jazz and Brent Walker’s holiday favorites.

Scrumptious appetizers donated by committee members, their families and friends and an amazing cake designed and by former Lake Wales resident and pastry chef Rachel Mayer and made especially for this occasion, were enjoyed by all.



Champagne and wine were served by a wonderful group of students from Webber University.

The array of art work and other items for sale from the participating artists were wonderful. Many guests left with shopping bags!

The Arts Council received approximately $700 commission from the artists on their sales, approximately $1,500 in ticket sales and $140 in raffle ticket receipts.

The generosity of local businesses in goods and/or discounts, appetizers donated by committee members and their families/friends and the generous monetary donation, all helped to keep expenses down. The event could not have been successful without the help of the many volunteers. We have several new volunteers to the Arts Council and they all felt this was a good way to meet new people and have fun at the same time!

Dozens of students participated in their school chorus. On Saturday at Make it Magical holiday event, it was standing room only for several of the school choruses. Choruses from Janie Howard Wilson Elementary, Babson Park Elementary, Polk Avenue Elementary, Hillcrest Elementary, Bok Academy and Lake Wales High School performed throughout the day with dancers from McLaughlin Middle School finishing up with Sugar Plum Fairy and Chinese dancers from their performance of Nutcracker." ~Jean Donaldson