August 22, 2007

A Toast to Downtown

Main Street Delaware and Ohio Wesleyan University’s Richard M. Ross Art Museum invite the community to enjoy a special photography exhibit and support the city’s historic downtown during their “Fine Art, Fine Wine” event Friday.

The event will kick off the museum’s 2007-08 exhibition season and raise funds to support the preservation, revitalization, and promotion of Delaware’s historic downtown. “Fine Art, Fine Wine” will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the museum, 60 S. Sandusky St.

Two art exhibitions will be on display for visitors to enjoy during the three-hour event. “Panoramic Ohio” features 75 panoramic photographs taken around the state by Cincinnati photographer Thomas Schiff, and “Mostly Ohio” features a collection of platinum/palladium photographic prints by acclaimed photographer Dick Arentz of Arizona.

In addition to fine art, those attending Friday’s event will be able to sample distinctive, fine wines, including selections from Ohio vineyards. Elegant food, live jazz music, and live and silent auctions will add to the excitement of the evening.

“We’re really looking forward to this year’s event,” says Dan Negley, president of Main Street Delaware and owner of downtown’s Breakaway Cycling. “We’ve received so much community support in putting it together. Thanks to Delaware-area merchants, businesses, and residents, we have more than 50 items for our live and silent auctions, including a dinner for eight prepared by local chef Dan Myers.”

Other auction items include a five-day stay at a Colorado condominium, a tandem bike, and a downtown Delaware entertainment package. Music will be provided by OWU part-time instructor Brett Burleson on guitar and Steve Perakis on bass.

Additional sponsors of Friday’s event include Arista Investments; Delaware County Bank and Trust Company; Garth’s Auctions, Inc.; Hilborn Insurance; HolHealth Connections; Inno-Pak, Inc.; J.W. Cutler & Associates Realty; North American Bus Industries, Inc.; Oberfield’s, Inc.; Keller Williams Capital Partners/Team Waldron; and V&P Hydraulic Products, LLC.

Tickets for “Fine Art, Fine Wine” are $30 for individuals and $50 for couples. Tickets will be available at the door, or may be purchased in advance at many downtown businesses, including Delaware County Bank and Trust, Simple Indulgences, and Not on the Corner Framing and Gallery.

For more information about Main Street Delaware and the city’s historic downtown, visit the Main Street Delaware Web site.

– Cole Hatcher