Harvestfest
Harvestfest is ARTS’ annual fundraising dinner and auction, where we celebrate the mission of Arts for Rural Texas by raising funds to continue enriching lives through art and art education. Each year, patrons gather together to share a delicious meal, raise a glass of wine, and enjoy the company of other like-minded people who believe that art is a vital part of life in rural Texas. At Harvestfest, guests will have the opportunity to bid on a plethora of silent auction items, including fine art pieces of all media, themed gift baskets, unique sign-up events and much more. After dinner comes the real excitement: the live auction! Our live auction offers valuable works of fine art, along with sporting events, vacation destinations, and other unique opportunities that you’ll find nowhere else!
Sponsorships
Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available to companies and individuals. This allows Arts for Rural Texas to truly make the most of our donors’ generosity by covering the costs of the event.
Please contact ARTS’ Development Director, Kevin White, at development@artsforruraltexas.org or call (979) 378-2113 for more information.
Harvestfest 2023
Artwork by Autumn Wolf
Harvestfest 2023 Raises Record-Breaking Funds for Arts for Rural Texas in Milestone Celebration
Harvestfest 2023, the flagship fundraising event for Arts For Rural Texas (ARTS), marked its 20th anniversary with unparalleled success, raising a record-breaking amount for the organization. The event, held on November 4, 2023, in Fayetteville, Texas, celebrated two decades of ARTS' commitment to enriching lives through art and art education, with an emphasis on providing opportunities for children.
Harvestfest 2023 was a visual and cultural feast, adorned with blues and whites to complement the captivating Autumn Wolf's (age 16) watercolor painting of a three tier birthday cake, which served as the event's invitation art. Attendees were treated to a spectacular evening that featured a fine art auction showcasing works from local, regional, and statewide artists. Bids soared from $1,700 to an impressive $7,100, reflecting the generosity and commitment of the community.
The auction block also featured exclusive experiences, including a dinner party for 8 with former Governor Rick Perry and former County Judge Joe Webber, a clay-shoot for 20 with a fajita dinner, and a night of music, art, and fine dining for 16 at the historic Ilse-Rau house in Columbus, among other unique opportunities.
The "Birthday Wish Wall" drew additional support, resulting in 13 sponsorships for Art After School classes, 18 Arts Summer Camp scholarships, 4 Fine Arts Assemblies in rural schools, sponsorship for 5 Art Teachers, funding for 6 sewing machines for quilting classes, and underwriting 3 Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions for digital art classes.
In recognition of her outstanding service, long-time ARTS board member Alisa Rowe was honored as the chair-emeritus for Harvestfest. Mrs. Rowe received a custom-engraved Waterford clock that read, "Every moment given is a gift well spent," acknowledging her 17 years of dedicated leadership and support for the event.
A special acknowledgment goes to The Marie M and James H Galloway Foundation, which generously provided a matching grant of $62,000 for the paddles-up donation appeal.
ARTS Events Director, Kevin White, expressed gratitude, stating, "This year's Harvestfest was certainly one of the best ever! From an amazing dinner by Cotton Culinary to the decorations by Glamfetti and our fabulous committee, it was a fabulous evening. But the real difference that makes our event such a wonderful evening is the community that supports our mission!"
While final figures are still being calculated, it is confirmed that Harvestfest 2023 raised more funds for ARTS than any previous year, underscoring the unwavering commitment of the community to the organization's mission.
Ways You Can Still Support ARTS
Sign Up Events
Spaces are still available for some of our fun sign up parties! Check out the events below and click the button to sign up!
High Tea at Roline's Guest House
Indulge in a timeless ritual of sophistication and charm at Roline's Guest House in picturesque Fayetteville, Texas. We invite you to a delightful afternoon of High Tea, where you will be transported to an era of refined elegance and joyful conversation amidst the historic beauty of this Victorian home.
Saturday, June 8, 2024 | 1 p.m. | $75/person
If you have any questions regarding Harvestfest, sponsorships, or sign up events, please email development@artsforruraltexas.org or call (979) 378-2113.