It was supposed to rain ... hard, according to the weather forecast. The planners of Historic Arkansas Museum's 2022 Candlelight Gala, held Oct. 29, went so far as to advise attendees beforehand to wear cocktail dresses rather than full-length gowns -- and to accessorize those dresses with rain boots rather than cute pumps or sandals -- for the dinner/live auction portion of the evening, which was to take place under a tent on the museum grounds.
But the only rain that manifested in the area that night was a soft drizzle. And that was at the end of the evening, which was hosted by the board of the Historic Arkansas Museum Foundation. Themed "Living Craft: A Celebration of Arkansas' Heritage Trades," the event was overseen by Jonathan Q. Warren, board president and event chairman.
Craft demonstrations, and fiddling by Ricky Russell, were part of the backdrop for the well-attended fundraiser that began as a cocktail reception complete with passed morsels and silent-auction bidding in the lobby and Cabe Gallery of the museum. The crowd then transitioned to the tent, where they dined on glazed pork tenderloin and other dishes made with ingredients sourced from Arkansas entities.
Rex Nelson was master of ceremonies for the gala. Jim Harris conducted a live auction whose items included a cabin stay in Mountain View; a two-night stay in a suite at Milestone in London; an Arkansas turquoise necklace and ring; and a Delta Food Tour with Nelson.
-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams