Perry Fleming and Sue Dixon have teemed together to make another successful year for the arts. Courtesy/Kim Kissel

The Art Gallery, where the only thing silent was the bidding. Courtesy/Kim Kissel

The banquet room and dance floor where a sea of hundreds gathered for St. Avips Ball. Courtesy/Kim Kissel

Barb Legg, Doug Hall and Melinda Rantz Courtesy/Kim Kissel

“Spiva by the Sea”, this year’s theme was elegantly presented and hosted by Peggy Fuller with a supporting team of sponsors and their amazing energy and sense of purpose. They provided an evening of fun and fancy that entertained with the tradition of generations at its foundation. The banquet room was transformed into a sea of white on white with linen and flowers, sea gulls and fish, shells and flora, designed to seat the waves of guests. A St. Louis band played the evening through keeping the ebb and flow of sound like the crashing of waves upon each table; conversation and energy varied from table to table, smiles were everywhere.

Outside the atmosphere of dining and dancing was the added attraction of the invited artists whose talented display has turned into a successful art gallery exclusive to this gala evening. Guests were presented with sixty works of art and bidding from the group led to a banner year! The excitement of the evening centered on the search for just the right piece of art for your home or office or even a gift to a loved one.

Proceeds from the art gallery go back into the community via the art center; supporting education to our children and providing a rich cultural heritage for generations. The director, Jo Mueller represented Spiva Center for the Arts with a few words offering appreciation for support and gratitude for her staff. I say,” three cheers”, to Jo for stepping forward with grace and poise, helping Spiva grow and mature. A healthy art center = a healthy community.

The”joy of celebration¨, coupled with a strong sense of community exemplifies this organization and their great feat of establishing the Ball each year. It is a great privilege to be a part of something this special and all those involved have rich memories to carry with them. In keeping with the atmosphere of giving, a before party was attended by the artists and underwriters for their generous contributions. This year the tribute was hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Willcoxon, this is a special evening of mingling with the artists and having the opportunity to find out why they do what they do, a time of sharing and exploration.

St. Avips Ball has a fine tradition and a bright future and its continued success enriches us all!

St. Avips 2004

George A. Spiva Center for the Arts

Jo Mueller, Spiva Executive Director