The Annual Gala of the South Texas Institute for the Arts – one of the most anticipated black tie events in the Coastal Bend – takes place on Friday, December 3, 2004. This year’s theme is “An American Holiday Gala,” celebrating the diversity of our community. Monies raised at the annual fundraiser help underwrite arts programming for more than 25,000 area youth and families at both the Art Museum of South Texas and the Antonio E. Garcia Arts and Education Center.

The 2004 Gala, sponsored by American Bank, will be held at the Art Museum of South Texas (1902 North Shoreline Blvd.); valet parking is available. Tickets for individual seats are $200 and $400. Tables of eight also are available by calling STIA at 361/825-3500. The Gala begins at 7:00 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails in the spectacular Philip Johnson building on the Bayfront. An elegant dinner will be catered by the Town Club, with dinner music provided by Michael Perez and Latin Talk. During the evening, tickets also will be on sale for dozens of unique holiday gift packages, ranging from “A Night at the Play” to “A Moonlight Sailboat Cruise” and many others.

The 2004 Gala Chair is Karen O’Connor, who has worked with a committee of dedicated volunteers to put together this year’s Gala. The Honorary Chair is Linda Strong. Invitations were mailed to all STIA members and friends in October. For more information, please call the Museum at 825-3500.

Members of the 2004 Gala Committee
Karen O’Connor, Chair
Linda Strong, Honorary Chair
Chris Adler Lynn Allison Nelwyn Anderson Maria Alvarez Ray Briones Brenda Carlisle Michelle Carey Elenita Collins Kathy Deurmyer James DeVisser Lori Duncan Gloria Furgason John Garcia Renae Gilley Evonne Gottsch Anna Hay Cathy Hurley Jane Ibanez Candace Moloney Noe Manrod Nelda Martinez Janet Matthews Jennifer Mattolini Trey McCampbell Kimberly McNierney Kristi Payne Carolyn Pedrotti Michael Perez Laurie Plant Pamela Quintana JoAn Rhode Iris Simmons Mary Anne Sinclair Jennifer Sloan Pat Smith Laura Smith Amber Tackett Stephanie Waterman Elvira Wendl Gail Wilhoit