Mark your calendars! Meadowlark Foundation’s 7th art-related fundraiser is set for Friday, March 7. Art Mingle: Hidden Gems, which benefits Meadowlark Memory Program, returns to 328 Poyntz Ave. with an earlier start time and, taking event-goers’ feedback into consideration, more seating! This Poyntz Avenue location in the HEART of downtown Manhattan is home to SNW Gallery & Custom Frames and Union Hall, which are located inside the historic, 127-year-old Eames Building.

 At 6 p.m., it’s Mingle time! Enjoy appetizers served by the Prairie Star Restaurant team, libations, and lively music, while you greet friends amid the colorful and varied artwork at SNW Gallery and the lower (street) level of Union Hall. In a nod to this year’s theme, purchase a glass of champagne for a chance to win a gem of a prize: a three-piece amethyst jewelry set. The winner will have sparkling purple accessories to wear while cheering on our K-State men’s and women’s basketball teams in post-season play. Go Cats!

At the 2024 event, many took time to admire the gallery’s two- and three-dimensional art, but event organizers are creating yet another reason to sip, savor, and stroll: a scavenger hunt! Find the gallery’s “hidden gems” to be eligible to win a prize.

 Since its inception, Art Mingle has been a salute to the arts, but generous offers from SNW Gallery and Union Hall got the event off to a successful start. Not only did gallery owners Alyn Pennington West and her husband, Kevin, waive an event rental fee, Alyn and her team also are ready to help turn voids into vivid views that speak to you, and in the process, support the efforts of the memory program. SNW Gallery is donating a portion of proceeds for art purchased at the event. 

Once again, Union Hall owners Kail and Rebecca Katzenmeier significantly discounted the venue rental fee and also are giving a portion of the bar service fee to the memory program. Beer, wine, and a signature cocktail will be available. 

At 7 p.m., it’s biddin’ time! Party-goers are invited to take the stairs or the elevator to Union Hall’s second floor for more -- more food, more music provided by Bell Family Trio, more fun, and many more seats. We’ll discover the winner of the amethyst set, and you’re sure to be tempted by several live and silent auctions items, including a five-night, all-inclusive stay in Mexico; a framed, autographed photo of three of your favorite Kansas City Chiefs players and Coach Andy Reid, experiences, hand-crafted pieces, and much more. See photos of auction items and the raffle prize soon on the Art Mingle events page at www.meadowlark.org.

Tickets to Mingle are now available at $75 each. Elevate your experience for an additional $10 to guarantee a reserved seat beginning at 7 p.m. Note: A limited number of seats are available.

Transportation to and from the event will be provided at no cost for Meadowlark residents and their guests. Cocktail or business casual attire is suggested. Purchase tickets by contacting a Hospitality team member at (785) 323-3847, or purchase online at www.meadowlark.org. Residents may add the ticket fee(s) to their monthly statements.

Community First National Bank again is the event’s presenting sponsor. In addition to SNW Gallery and Union Hall, event sponsors also include Steel & Pipe Supply, The Trust Company, WTC Fiber, BHS Construction, and the H. Alan and Karen K. Bell Family Foundation. We gratefully acknowledge their support!

Questions about the event? Please contact Becky Fitzgerald, Development Director, at (785) 323-3843. As indicated, proceeds from Art Mingle benefit Meadowlark Memory Program, the only comprehensive program in the area facilitated by trained, professional educators. The program provides FREE education and enrichment opportunities for persons affected by memory or cognitive changes and their care partners.

“The topics program participants discuss, the things we learn, and the social connections we create for people with cognitive changes and their care partners are like ‘hidden gems’ to a better quality of life,” suggested Special Programs Leader Michelle Haub. Program services are open to anyone in the Flint Hills region.