Following the completion of a 100-foot mural in Scotts Valley, Scotts Valley Artisans will host a summer casino night to raise money for projects planned for 2013.
“There is such momentum right now, we just want to keep going,” said the center’s director, Dawn Teall.
The gala, from 4 to 10 p.m. Aug. 25, will serve as the center’s major fundraiser for the majority of projects in the coming year, Teall said.
Participants can take part in casino games, including blackjack, craps and poker; sample food from many local businesses; dance to the music of South City Blues Band; and enter a raffle of original art.
Scotts Valley Artisans opened in the Kings Village Shopping Center last year. Artists pay $48 each per month for space to display work, which pays the rent and utility costs associated with the space.
However, additional money is needed for projects such as two or three murals planned for next year in Scotts Valley.
“There is national funding out there,” Teall said, “but they keep telling us come back in two years.”
According to Teall, some large foundations and government grant programs fund community cultural art development. However, those who award the grants want to see that a program has been successful for several years. Teall said she was confident that in several years, with a proven track record, the center could qualify for major grant funding.
Teall hopes to see three murals completed in 2013. The first, in Kings Village, would show the history of the Ow family, which owns the property.
The second would likely adorn Scotts Valley Branch Library and show the history of Skypark as an airport.
A third — possibly on a wall at Skypark — would showcase local athletics.
Teall said she is always open to new ideas.
The center is also launching an Art in Public Places program, which will make space for artwork in various local businesses.
“It’s one more way to give our artists a venue,” Teall said. “This way, we get mini-galleries for artists.”
Once enough art is placed in businesses around town, a flier will be printed showing a map of the works and where to find them.
The library is one of the first Art in Public Places participants, with galleries that are rotated regularly by coordinator Val Peyser.
At a glance
What: Scotts Valley Artisans Summer Gala
When: 4 to 10 p.m., Aug. 25
Where: Scotts Valley Community Center, 360 Kings Village Road in Scotts Valley
Cost: Three levels: $60, $100 or $150
Info: Scotts Valley Artisans, 439-9094 or 230-D Mount Hermon Road
