Taste of the Arts, 2011, the annual Inner-City Neighborhood Art House Benefit, made an ordinary September evening memorable. This year’s theme, Seasons to Celebrate, captured the beauty of the seasons in many ways. An evening of fun, food, friendship and fundraising was enhanced by a wonderful display of children’s artwork as well as an entertaining stage performance showcasing their many talents. An additional attraction was a book of poetry by Neighborhood Art House children supported in part by a grant from the Schuster Re-grant Initiative (Gannon University), and Printing Concepts, Inc. who made the printing of the book possible. Thanks to the guidance of poetry instructor, Mary Lou Kownacki, OSB, and photography instructor, Lourdes Jasso, the book reflects the beauty of the seasons in poetry and photography.

Guests had the opportunity to participate in both silent and live auctions alike, purchase art pieces created by the children, and make a donation for a chance on special prizes. Co-chairpersons, Bobbi Pollock and Lisa Chinsky, and their committee: Patti Eichen, Rita Scrimenti, Margaret Ann Pilewski, OSB, and Annette Marshall, OSB, deemed the evening a grand success. Click to view a photo slide show capturing some of the evening’s highlights.