CIS Art Affair coming to Tecumseh Country Club

By DEB WUETHRICH

Good food, good entertainment, good art. These are the elements of The Art Affair, to be held on Thursday, Aug. 21, at the Tecumseh Country Club, 5200 Milwaukee Road. The event will benefit Communities in Schools of the Tecumseh Area (CISTA), and will take place from 6 to 8 p.m.

“This gives us an opportunity to showcase some of the talented people who are right here in town, or who have Tecumseh connections,” said Susan Reeder, CISTA coordinator. Fourteen local artists and artists with local ties have donated pieces for the event. Their work has been featured at area businesses across the community, each with a biography attached. “These people are so talented and have impressive backgrounds,” Reeder said.
The Art Affair is the brainchild of Tammy Eggleston, who owns Eggleston Jewelers with her husband, Doug. Reeder said that building on an idea Tammy had, this year’s event will be unique.

“It’s not a silent auction,” said Reeder of the way that the art will be raffled off. There will, however, be a small silent auction for other art related items at the event. “Each ticket purchase for the event includes a $10 raffle ticket which can be designated toward a specific piece of art.” She said tickets would then be placed into decorated raffle boxes. “This also was a way for some of the younger artists in our area to get involved,” Reeder said.

Artists include former Tecumseh High School graduates such as Chuck Gillies of Berkley, whose art is on display at Boulevard Market. “He’s become a well-known illustrator,” Reeder said. Tecumseh artist Steve Tracy has donated a specially designed egg, and artist Nell O’Leary, who graduated from Tecumseh High School this past June, is among other artists who have provided pieces.

Tickets are $25, which includes the $10 raffle ticket, and more raffle tickets may be purchased. Hors d’oeuvres will be served, with a cash bar available, and entertainment will be provided by the Strings Ensemble of the Tecumseh Pops Orchestra. Reeder said the event is sponsored by the First Federal Bank.

“This event just highlights so many people from all walks who have been generous, and we are real grateful for their support,” she said. Proceeds from the event will benefit CIS programming services such as mentoring and tutoring. “All those CIS programs that help kids stay in school,” Reeder said.