Scotts Valley Artisans to host First Annual Gala Fundraiser

Just under two years old, Scotts Valley Artisans is in its infant stage as a nonprofit organization. Which is why it's so amazing looking at what they've already been able to pull off:

Over the past two years, they've  to its initial 90 artist roster, launched their new "Art in Public Places" program,  of many, and successfully started its , just to name a few of their accomplishments.

Although they should be exhausted, organizers are as inspired as ever.

"Next year we have big plans for Santa Cruz County but specifically Scotts Valley. We're going to put three more murals up, our Art in Public Places is going to be really be in full gear getting art up in almost every public venue that we can possibly put art in in our town," said Dawn Teall, owner of Scotts Valley Artisans.

The organization is also raising money for their Artist Scholarship program which helps artists who cannot pay to display their work in sale space. But all of these aspirations require funding to reach fruition.

"There is a lot of grant money out there in the world for art, especially the kind of community oriented public art and art programs that we're doing, but we're so new that most of those grants are saying come back in two years. They want us to be around longer before they start funding us," said Teall.

So Scotts Valley Artisans is turning to the community for support, and Teall is optimistic that with the help of community funding for the next couple of years they will be able to produce enough tangible successes to recieve grants to continue funding their programs and projects.

On Saturday, August 25, the organization will host the first annual Summer Gala and Casino Night at the Scotts Valley Community Center in Scotts Valley.

"It's not just an expensive party, it's supporting art in Scotts Valley. And that's a new thing," said Teall.

Although the night isn't cheap, it's going to be a fun way for the community to come out and help support the non profit organization. Think dancing, gambling, and a plethora of hand crafted raffle prizes.

"Scotts Valley isn't known for its arts but by this time next year we will be on the map," said Teall.

And if you've watched her over the past two years, you'll know by now: the woman does what she says she's going to do. 

The Summer Gala and Casino Night is bringing in several local restaurants and two wineries from around Scotts Valley for an al fresco "restaurant row." Ticket holders can choose between various levels of support, all coming with a free drink, a tasting plate, and $100, $500 or $1,000 in casino chips to gamble with. 

"You play the casino games and then with your winnings you change them into raffle tickets," said Teall.

And the raffle prizes? Jewelry, textiles, fine art, pottery, wood work, the possibilities are endless. 

"We have 150 local Santa Cruz Artists here at Scotts Valley Artisans and all of them have donated a piece of original art," said Teall, who also thanks a long list of sponsors from around the community who have helped to make the Gala and Casino Night a reality.

Teall expects around 300 people to buy tickets, and ticket sales have been picking up this week, so make sure you reserve yours early by calling the store or stopping by in person. 

Scotts Valley Artisans is located in the Kings Village Shopping Center, 230-D Mt. Hermon Road. For tickets, stop by, or call 831-439-9049