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Keynote speaker Leslie Larson, ASEB Executive Director Micheal Pope, and auctioneer Patrick Walsh celebrate
“Art from the Heart.”
More than 100 guests gathered at the historic Piedmont Community Hall on May 5, 2011, for ASEB’s annual “Art from the Heart” fundraiser. The garden courtyard and elegant hall provided a festive backdrop for the events, which kicked off with socializing and a silent auction. Guests enjoyed treats such as chicken flautas, miniature burritos, gazpacho shooters, and key lime tartlets catered by Patrick David’s. This yearly art auction, with original paintings by ASEB participants, celebrates the creative spirit of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Executive Director Micheal Pope welcomed guests and announced the launch of ASEB’s new website, which was timed to coincide with the fundraiser. The site features striking photographs of ASEB participants by fine arts photographer Robert Welsh, with a sleek and easy-to-navigate design by Nicole Hayward Design. Micheal introduced keynote speaker Leslie Larson, author Breaking Out of Bedlam, who spoke movingly about how her experience as a writer led to her involvement with ASEB.
Fundraiser attendees responded enthusiastically to auctioneer Patrick Walsh, who led the group through a round of lively bidding for the 16 paintings created by participants at all three ASEB Adult Day Health Care programs. Professional framing was donated by Creative Framing, Fast Frame of Lafayette, Fast Frame of Walnut Creek, The Framer’s Workshop, Galleria Scola, North Berkeley Frame, Sticks, and Storey Framing. Stella K.’s painting, The Running Man, was voted Best of Show. Her image graced “Art from Heart’s” promotional materials and attracted a flurry of bidding from the audience. In addition to the paintings, a week’s vacation on the Big Island of Hawaii, a getaway at Sea Ranch, and a spectacular quilt handmade by the Berkeley Program quilting group were sold.