Levi Coe Readies For Saturday Evening Art Gala

For the past seven years, K-12 homeschoolers of Connecticut have met on a weekly basis throughout the fall and winter, to create works of art.

This Saturday, that art will once again be on display during the annual Homeschoolers' Art Gala, a benefit fundraiser for the Levi Coe Library in Middlefield. The event takes place from 5-8 p.m.

According to organizer Regenia Allen, the Gala raises in the neighborhood of $1,000 a year for the children’s department at the library. Last year, over 50 students submitted 350 works of art to be sold at the Gala.

“Students of all ages submit works, and they determine a price of one to five dollars for each item sold. Parents have the right to pre-buy the works so that it stays in the family, if the child just cannot bear to part with it,” Allen explained. 

Art mediums of all types will be on display, including pencil and ink drawings, water colors, colored pencil sketches, clay sculptures, and jewelry. In years past, some girls have created their own clothing and worn it for display. Others have created quilts. Some students submit photography works.

One of the more ingenious mediums used is duct tape. That’s right. Duct tape. Gauge Allen, 13, was putting finishing touches on aprons, hats, and vests before sitting down to make extra ‘bags’ on Monday.  As he shook his head, saying he’d done enough, several homeschooling moms urged him to make a few more of the popular items. “You know they sell really well Gauge. Just a couple more!”

The library will undergo a transformation throughout the week, turning every possible space into an exhibition area. All shelves and walls will be draped in elegant black fabric, decorations will cascade down from the ceilings, and framed art will be hung on chains. Each room will be filled with different music. The students often 'dress to impress,' sporting fancy dresses and shirts and ties. One year, a student arrived in a tuxedo.

“The upper level becomes a café, complete with tables and chairs. Keyboard player Brittany Munson will return this year to play in the café. On the main floor, most of the artwork will be displayed. The fiddlers will be over there,” Regina explained, pointing to a corner. “Downstairs, we will have a checkout area, and display pre-purchased items. A guitar player will alternate ½ hour blocks with storyteller Mary Datillo, who also just released her first book.”

“Mrs. Datillo” is a familiar and beloved face at Levi Coe. She served as the Director at the library for seven years. Now, among other things, she spends time telling stories to children, dressed in 1800’s costumes.

 “People have driven for an hour or two to come to the event. The boys grandmother is flying in from Georgia for the event,” Allen stated proudly. 

Each artist will be wearing a nametag, making it easier for patrons to greet and thank artists for their contributions. 100 percent of the proceeds go to the Levi Coe Library.