Fifty festive donors and friends of the Karl Stirner Arts Trail celebrated the beauty of art and nature at the An Evening on the Trail fundraiser on Sept. 8.
Dan Weiss, president/CEO of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and KSAT Arts Advisory Council member, served as the honorary chair. George Ball, chairman of the W. Atlee Burpee Company, was honored for his generous 2017-18 donation of 11 Steve Tobin sculptures. Eastonian John Hall served as a dynamic emcee and auctioneer for the Fund a Need donations, followed by a fast-paced and competitive auction for two private tours of the Met with Weiss and an Art and Nature sculpture by Paul Deery.
Following the speakers, the diners enjoyed animated conversations and a creative menu under a row of fairytale-like peaked tents. Covering a trail-wide string of festively decorated tables, the tents were situated by the newly installed Musical Path. The heat of the prior weeks and the rain of the day gave way to clear skies and cool air as guests strolled through Karl Stirner’s Untitled (Arch for the KSAT) to enter and exit the event.
KSAT Inc. board members Jim Toia (president), Ed Kerns (vice president), and Monica Seligmann (secretary) made remarks. Richard McAteer was honored for his long-term commitment to the trail. Easton Mayor Sal Panto, Lafayette President Alison Byerly, Weiss, and Ball all presented accolades for the trail and the many volunteers and partnerships that contribute to its radiance and growth.
Funds raised by generous attendees and sponsors will be directed to artist-designed benches, sculpture lighting, general sculpture installation expenses, the “fit trail” sculpture project, movie nights, and the well-loved Young Masters Wall program.
Thank you to these and several anonymous An Evening on the Trail sponsors:
- Coray and Cynthia Kirby
- Bruce Maggin
- VM Development Group
- Arnhold Foundation
- City of Easton
- Lafayette College
- Kennon Surveying Services Inc.
- Lafayette Ambassador Bank
- Nurture Nature Center
- Rose Wealth Advisors
- Unity Bank
In-kind contributors: Metropolitan Museum of Art, Paul Deery, Carr and Duff Inc., John Hall, Flower Essence. Thank you also to the many artists, art fans, and trail lovers who gave support through their presence for the evening.
Photography by Adam Atkinson
