ArtFULL Fun Greats Guests At Weekend Gala

By Kendra Bobowick

Hidden behind ornate masks or costumed in capes, gowns, wigs, and even crawling spiders were town officials and guests at the ArtFULL Halloween Bash on October 27. Sponsored by Newtown United Inc, devoted to “bringing people together for a good cause,” the gala raised money to benefit Ann’s Place, Home of I Can of Danbury, a cancer support and services center, and Newtown’s food pantries.

Donning decorative theme hats and parading them through the Alexandria Room for raffle were volunteers touting designs including Autumn Royalty by artist Paige Carnes, Catching Fall by Gabrielle Amucke, or Rosemary Rau’s design, Witchery Bling & Flutter.

For bid were creative hats, bras, chairs, and benches beckoning to a crowd gathered in the Alexandria Room at The Edmond Town Hall for an evening of seasonal hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, live entertainment, and wine. Painted chairs raffled during the event or sold at silent auction included Alley Cats by Adele Moros, a Rainbow Rocker by Barbara Saltman, A Friend For All Seasons by Suzanne Molineaux, and more.

Among those backstage amid a flurry of hats and costumes and soon strutting raffle items before guests were Beth Caldwell, Paula Elfont, John Rossi, and Cyndy DaSilva. First out from behind the scenes was Kim Robson in an orange and black Boo Bra, she strode past Newtown United Inc board member Marie Sturdevant, and moved to the snappy jazz and popular tunes performed live by Boplicity. Across the room from Ms Sturdevant was Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia who had sparkling, oversized decorative spiders crawling through her clothes and hair, a costume for which she won a prize later in the evening.

Squeezed into a Moo Bra by Rosemary Rau was Rob Gisolfi followed by Doug Pincus in a witch’s hat. Clapping hands and enjoying the music and festivities were guests Kathy O’Connell dressed as Cleopatra, and Melanie Allen in a flapper dress.