Artsball Raises $425,000 for Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts
The annual Artsball that benefits the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts of the University
of New Haven this year raised a record-breaking $425,000.
June 13, 2016
This year's gala, which commemorated the college's 40th anniversary, had the theme
"Starry, Starry Night, Bedazzle in White!" It took place in tents on the college's
spacious front lawn with the trees lit by sparkling white lights. The June 4 event
was sold out with 300 revelers bedecked in white, surrounded by a matching décor.
The funds raised at the ball will be used for scholarships at Lyme Academy College
of Fine Arts and are part of the UNH Charger Challenge, the university's first-ever
comprehensive campaign, which has the goal of raising $100 million in time for the
university's 100th anniversary in 2020.
"We are pleased with the generous amount raised at this year's ball," said UNH President
Steven Kaplan. "Scholarship funds are critically important, as there are many deserving
students who otherwise would not be able to pursue their dreams of earning a college
education. Our success is the result of support from generous alumni, friends, area
businesses, faculty and staff. Their participation makes a real difference for our
students."
The total raised by the ball included $37,000 raised by the silent auction. The auction
included plein air paintings done on May 21 in the region, known for its natural beauty
and luminous light. The artists participating in the plein air event included many
well-known alumni of the college who were given access to 10 iconic outdoor home settings
on the water, along fields and marshes, and at the harbor.
"There was a lot of excitement from the artists, who enjoyed participating in the
project, and from the audience who bid on their work," said Todd Jokl, campus dean.
"The silent auction provided a unique aspect to this event, which is viewed by many
as the unofficial opening of summer."
Last year, the ball raised $85,000.
About Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts
Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts is a college of the University of New Haven. Its
mission is to educate aspiring artists through a rigorous studio curriculum rooted
in figurative and representational art. The college offers a comprehensive liberal
arts education essential for advanced critical and creative thought. For more information,
click here
About the University of New Haven
The University of New Haven is a private, top-tier comprehensive institution recognized
as a national leader in experiential education. Founded in 1920, the university enrolls
approximately 1,800 graduate students and more than 5,000 undergraduates. For more information,
click here