Artisan Masters Weekend in Lodi Hits the Mark
LODI, Calif., Nov. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The Lodi Arts Foundation (LAF) is pleased to announce the successful execution of its second Artisan Masters Wine & Art Auction held on October 22, 2011 at Hutchins Street Square. Lodi area vintners, artists and chefs collaborated on a stunning gala fundraising event in support of scholarships for underserved youth in the community and promote an understanding and appreciation of the arts.
The black tie evening commenced with a barrel tasting highlighting several of Lodi’s growing regions including the Mokelumne River, Clements Hills and Borden Ranch AVAs. Several varietals were poured – Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Carignane to name a few. The live auction featured beautiful works of art crafted by local artists Samuel Bassett, Pepe Pool, Jean Justeau, Mardie Dalzell Driftmier, Tina Moore, Jim Coston, Tony Segale, Michael Randolph, Arturo Vera and Mira Woodworth. A key highlight of the auction was the specialty Artisan Masters barrel donated by Michael David Winery filled with 2010 Michael-David Petite Sirah from their Clements Oaks II vineyard. The wine will be aged in Michael David’s cellars and once the wine is ready for bottling, it will be bottled with a custom label.
“I believe that we can create an event on par with any of California’s wine growing regions,” said vintner David Lucas. “To experience the incredibly strong community support of this event, now just two years old, shows what the Lodi community is all about.”
Funds raised via both silent and live auctions grew 30% versus the prior year. Monies will be used throughout the year to provide scholarships to local students in fine arts, culinary arts and the study of agriculture and viticulture, including classes at Hutchins Street Square and programs at San Joaquin Delta College’s culinary program and L.H. Horton Gallery.
In addition to the gala dinner and auction, several journalists were invited to spend the weekend in Lodi which included a stay at the elegant Wine & Roses Hotel, a vineyard tour hosted by the Bokish family, tour and lunch at Corto Olive Oil Company and a relaxing afternoon at Studio Samba owned by artist Samuel Bassett.
About Artisan Masters
Artisan Masters Wine & Art Auction is a community based effort led by The Lodi Arts Foundation in collaboration with Lodi area vintners, chefs and artists. Artisan Masters was conceived by Lodi vintners, Dave Dart and David Lucas, Deanie Bridewell City Arts & Culture Manager and Lodi Arts Foundation leader, Ros Bollinger. These individuals collectively shared a vision to create an upscale event to provide funding for art, agricultural and culinary education programs to support underserved youth in the Lodi area. Through member collaboration and collective efforts, the Artisan Masters team seeks to become known as one of the premier auctions supporting the arts and education as well as to celebrate the incredible bounty of the greater Lodi area. Once a year, the group hosts a grand scale celebration that combines elegance and sophistication with festivity, frivolity, fundraising and education and features the viticultural, culinary and artistic achievements of the Lodi region.
SOURCE The Lodi Arts Foundation
