Friends of Vaughan-Smitherman Museum host 'Bubbles and Blues' fundraiser Thursday

Friends of the Vaughan-Smitherman Museum will welcome guests Thursday for their “Bubbles and Blues” fundraiser.

The event that features an evening of music, art and community fellowship will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. and is designed to support ongoing preservation and maintenance of the historic city-owned building, said Gordon Welch, chairman of the museum board.

“We, as a group, for many years have taken it upon ourselves to take care of the building and do some things the city might not be able to do,” he said.

Guests will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, beverages and complimentary champagne, along with live jazz and blues performed by Standard Time Jazz, a four-member combo from Montgomery. Attire is described as “Sunday dress,” not formal, but a step above casual.

A major highlight of the evening will be a silent auction featuring donated works from regional and local artists. Pieces include contributions from Auburn art student Sarah Thomas, well-known artists Anne Strand and Bill Smith, and pottery from Susan Youngblood and Joe Taylor. Folk artist Charlie Lucas is also expected to have a piece available. “All these artists, regional and local, have donated to us these wonderful, wonderful works,” Welch said.

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Auction items will be displayed in the museum’s gallery room, with additional pieces placed throughout the building if needed.

Tickets are $25 and organizers encourage advance purchase to help plan for food and seating. Tickets are available from board members, at the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce or by contacting Welch directly at 334-430-1043.

Welch said the board has been planning the event since last fall, choosing a February date to avoid conflicts with other community activities. With a favorable weather forecast and security on-site, he hopes the evening will draw a strong turnout. City officials, including Mayor Johnny Moss III and Public Buildings Director Stephanie Menifee, are expected to attend.

“We just look forward to having everybody, those that wish to come, to come,” Welch said. “It’ll be a great time of community fellowship and a chance to help keep the Vaughan-Smitherman Museum in tip-top shape.”