Homework, hall passes, and happy hour at Art Night fundraiser

Photo: Kimball Art Center.

PARK CITY, Utah — Kimball Art Center (KAC) will host its annual Art Night fundraiser Oct. 23 from 6-8:30 p.m., highlighting the organization’s role in providing art education to Park City students and community members of all ages.

With support in part by the Vail Resorts EpicPromise grant, the free-to-attend event raises awareness and supports the funding of programs that many residents may not realize are essential to local education. Art classes are available in three of four elementary schools in the Park City School District, thanks to the Elementary Visual Arts program, a partnership between the Kimball Art Center and the Park City Education Foundation (PCEF). KAC provides the curriculum, and the PCEF helps fund the programs.

Art Night is one of KAC’s intimate, local favorite fundraising evenings, and it is essential. It helps fund all KAC’s education programs, from elementary school instruction and the Young Artist Academy to the Golden Art Club senior citizen classes.

The event adopts a back-to-school theme, encouraging attendees to wear their best first-day-of-school outfits. Upon arrival, guests receive school photos and complete “homework” assignments at stations showcasing different programs.

Interactive stations will feature the Golden Art Club for seniors and youth programs, with current students on-site to discuss their experiences. The format allows visitors to learn about K-12 exhibition tours that bring art to schools across Utah and programs that bring students to the art center.

This year’s event will recognize Stefani Kimche, one of Kimball Art Center’s longest-serving board members, who is stepping down this fall. Kimche has been instrumental in developing the center’s education programs during her tenure.

“She’s been really instrumental in our education programs. She’s always been so involved,” Regenold said. “We’re just really grateful for her membership on the board for these last years and being a leader and spearheading so many of our programs.”

“It has been an honor and privilege to sit on the Kimball Art Center board,” Kimche said. “As I look back on my impact on the community, I hold the creation and implementation of the Elementary Visual Arts program as a highlight. Born from a desire to immerse every child with a core curriculum to foster creativity and learn about the elements of art, it was only possible with the support and professional development offered by the Kimball Art Center. Because of its commitment and passion for the program, over a decade of elementary school children have now had professional visual art education in grades K-5.”

The Elementary Visual Arts program addresses what many consider a significant gap in Utah’s public education system. The program operates in three Park City schools, with Jeremy Ranch Elementary using a PTA-led alternative.

Beyond elementary education, Kimball Art Center offers continuing programs for teens, adults and seniors, creating comprehensive arts access across age groups.

Done to Your Taste Catering will provide grown-up versions of school lunch, while High West cocktails and Moab Brewery beer flow in the “Teacher’s Lounge.”

For those unable to attend, direct donations remain available to support the center’s educational mission. Registration is required for the free event.