A Heart For The Arts Doesn't Miss A Beat
2/28/2012
Fine Arts Alliance fundraiser draws a large, lively crowd for a day of fun, fashion, and fabulous art.
On Friday, Feb. 24, the HIES Fine Arts Alliance held their biggest and most important fundraiser – the biannual A Heart for the Arts Art and Fashion Show – in the Foundry at Puritan Mill. With the theme "Celebrating the Style of Giving," this year's event raised both funds and spirits, as over 250 supporters browsed a remarkable array of art and jewelry before cheering on the guest "models" in a fast-paced, fun-filled fashion show.
As special honoree, the FAA chose beloved Lower School art teacher Jo Thacker, who is retiring after 34 years at HIES. With a number of family members by her side, Jo was feted throughout the day. Before the fashion show, Fine Arts dept. chair Heidi Domescik presented a heartwarming video montage thanking Jo for her many years of dedication and her remarkable ability to instill a love of art in even the youngest of students.
Following the fashion show, Jo gave a brief speech about her art, her family, and her years at HIES. "“I wouldn’t change one single thing," she said. "This school is just like a family. And I've loved every minute of it.”
While the attendees certainly seemed to enjoy themselves, the people benefitting most from the event are the students in our fine arts programs. The money raised through A Heart For The Arts goes directly toward facilities and improvements throughout the music, drama, visual arts, and media literacy programs. These HIES programs are now considered among the finest in the Southeast, with much of the credit for this achievement going directly to the tireless volunteers of the FAA. The money raised at A Heart For The Arts will help to continue this momentum.
The Heart for the Arts committee, chaired by Becky Wallis and co-chaired by Tressa Bell, would like to thank everyone involved with this marvelous event.