Approximately 500 guests enjoyed the annual ARTS by George! Benefit event held on September 29 at the Center for the Arts and the College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA). In addition to a performance by Grammy Award®-winning vocal group The Manhattan Transfer alongside the American Festival Pops Orchestra and the Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble, the evening included 16 showcases in 10 open studios and rehearsal halls, featuring more than 100 CVPA students.
ARTS by George! also featured a silent auction with more than 60 exclusive packages, including a Virginia Wine Country package, a meet-and-greet with the Washington Caps announcer, and instruction by Mason faculty artists. The live auction included both a private jet experience for four and the chance to conduct with Anthony Maiello, Mason Faculty and Music Director for the American Festival Pops Orchestra. On site alone, the event raised more than $50,000!
Overall, the benefit garnered more than $140,000 in support of CVPA student scholarships and community arts programs, which include Great Performances at Mason, Green Machine Ensembles, and Mason Community Arts Academy. Thank you to all of the patrons, donors, artists, students, faculty, and staff members who made ARTS by George! 2018 such a success for CVPA and the entire #MasonArts community.
For more ways to support CVPA and the Center for the Arts, please visit cfa.gmu.edu/give.