Preview: Minnetonka Center for the Arts Hosts Celebration, Fundraiser on Saturday

The Minnetonka Center for the Arts is hosting its 60th Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser at its Lake Minnetonka facility this Saturday, Oct. 6.

Guests will be greeted with a celebratory cocktail and invited to nibble and mingle as they enjoy the opening night of the "Minnesota Artists" exhibit featuring 12 pre-eminent artists, many who will be present for the evening. The show is curated by architect Jim Dayton, commemorating the center's 10 years of operation in the facility he designed. The giving (and getting!) fun will start as guests have the chance to win designer jewelry, a wine wall (12 cases) or cash—plus "mystery bags" guaranteed to deliver $50 to $150 are available for only $40. 

The Minnetonka Center for the Arts, founded in 1952 and now serving 20,000 people annually, including arts outreach programs for more than 3,000 youth at low or no fees, will highlight its achievements in a high-energy, fast-moving program. Following, international fresco master Mark Balma will personally unveil his newest work entitled "We the People."

The fresco depicts the individuals and events that have sparked significant social change in the last 10 years. Inspired by the quote "Your spark can become a flame and change everything" (E.D. Nixon, American civil rights leader, 1899-1987), the artist Mark Balma invited teams of teens from the art center's outreach programs to assist—teaching them fresco techniques that are little changed since Michelangelo and da Vinci and providing a once-in-a-lifetime art experience.

This is Balma's second fresco project in the United States since returning from a 15-year commission to paint a cathedral ceiling in Assisi, Italy, and his first outside of a religious setting.

In a live auction, guests will compete to win unique experience packages (such as meeting favorite MPR hosts, a Long Lake Rowing Club adventure, sports tickets, theatre tickets, an overnight/dining/golf package at the Lafayette Club and a guided fly-fishing trip). There will also be rare vintage wines (Chateau Lafite-Rothschild '67, Chateau Mouton Rothschild '62) available for auction and fine art including a valuable Edward Sheriff Curtis photograph (c. 1910), two original bronze sculptures by Heidi Hoy and a portrait by Mark Balma.

Afterward desserts will be served and live music by "The Days Between" will ramp up for an evening of fun and dancing.

The Minnetonka Center for the Arts is located at 2240 North Shore Drive in Wayzata. Click here for ticket information.