Mark your calendars for Friday, May 31! Meadowlark Foundation’s art-related fundraiser is moving from Prairie Star Restaurant to a different venue with two new partnerships. Art Mingle: Poyntz of View, which benefits the Meadowlark Memory Program, begins at 6:30 p.m. at 328 Poyntz Ave. This 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.

Guests are invited to mingle with friends amid the colorful and varied artwork at SNW Gallery and the recently uncovered architectural details found during the renovation of Union Hall. Fabulous food, libations, lively music, auction items, and a raffle prize also are part of the plan for this 6th celebration. This year’s theme is an obvious nod to the venue’s address, but the varied views one will discover at the event, as well as the vantage points high bidders are sure to encounter in the coming months also were a factor in selecting an event name.

In years past, a portion of Meadowlark’s art collection and the work of two featured artists attracted admiring glances from event-goers. The 2024 version of Art Mingle offers attendees much to appreciate with two-and three-dimensional works attractively displayed in the gallery and large paintings adorning Union Hall’s east wall. Keeping the event’s worthy cause in mind, guests also are invited to view paintings created by memory program participants.

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 to the program.

Union Hall owners Kail and Rebecca Katzenmeier significantly discounted the venue rental fee once they learned the space would be used to host a fundraising event.   

Party-goers at previous Art Mingle events have praised the array of eye-catching and tasty hors d’oeuvres, and Meadowlark chef John Gasser promises more palate-pleasing offerings located on both sides of the space. A specialty cocktail will be added to the beverage menu.

Art Mingle 2024 offers silent and live auctions items, including a seven-night stay at a luxury resort, a popular KC Chiefs weekend getaway, experiences, jewelry, 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, including all-you-can-enjoy food and beverages, are now available at $75 each. Transportation to and from the event will be provided at no cost for Meadowlark residents and their guests. Cocktail or business casual attire suggested. Purchase tickets by contacting a Hospitality team member at (785) 323-3847, or purchase online at www.meadowlark.org.

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, and BHS Construction. 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. Program services are open to anyone in the Flint Hills region.