Harvestfest 2024 Raises Record-Breaking Funds
Arts for Rural Texas (ARTS) hosted its annual Harvestfest gala on November 9, 2024, raising record-breaking funds for the nonprofit organization. The event, held at The Compound in Round Top, Texas, brought patrons together to celebrate ARTS’ mission to enrich lives through art and art education with an emphasis on providing opportunities for children.
Each year, Harvestfest provides an opportunity for the community to gather and support ARTS’ vital work. Guests enjoyed a delicious meal by Cotton Culinary and mingled with other like-minded individuals who believe that art is an essential part of life in rural Texas.
Embedded in this year’s event were two special acknowledgments in the form of award presentations. The first was a one-of-a-kind, handmade, fused glass “Legacy of ARTS” award created by Hallettsville based glass artist, Michael Moore; presented to Leslie and Wayne Penello for their years of service, leadership and generosity to the mission of ARTS.
The second was the newly formed “Arts for Rural Texas Youth Leadership Book Award” presented to Miss Samantha Kubena. As a high schooler, Samantha has volunteered to teach various summer art camp sessions of photography, calligraphy, collage, and other art forms, while creating and submitting incredible works of her own in ARTS’ annual Emerging Artist Com-petition held each August. Samantha’s parents, Rebecca and Ferrel Kubena, received a specially selected hardback edition of Ansel Adams’ autobiography on behalf of their daughter who could not attend the event due to prior commitments. Samantha’s black and white photograph entitled The Texan sold at the evening’s live auction for $5,100.
“Art matters, especially in rural Texas. The arts are where children learn to express themselves, communicate feelings and ideas, learn problem solving and collaboration and, ultimately, create beautiful things.” said Kevin White, Director of Development at ARTS. “Harvestfest allows us to celebrate this while we raise the funds to continue this vital service to the rural communities in and around Fayette County.”
Funds raised at Harvestfest will directly support ARTS’ mission to bring the arts to rural communities. Through its youth and adult programs, fine art gallery, and community events, ARTS has been a pillar in the Fayetteville community for over two decades, fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts in rural Texas.
While final figures are still being calculated, it is confirmed that Harvestfest 2024 raised more funds for ARTS than any previous year, underscoring the unwavering commitment of the community to the organization’s mission.
For more information about ARTS, its programs, or to support the cause, visit www.artsforruraltexas.org.