Renderings of the Wyoming Valley Art League’s Circle Center for the Arts form a backdrop for sparkling conversation Thursday night during the group’s ‘Fine Taste, Fine Art’ fundraiser at the center on South Franklin Street in Wilkes-Barre.
                                 Roger DuPuis | Times Leader

Renderings of the Wyoming Valley Art League’s Circle Center for the Arts form a backdrop for sparkling conversation Thursday night during the group’s ‘Fine Taste, Fine Art’ fundraiser at the center on South Franklin Street in Wilkes-Barre.

Roger DuPuis | Times Leader

Wyoming Valley Art League fundraiser draws larger-than-expected crowd

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<p>Former Wyoming Valley Art League board members Marge Bryant and Bill Browne enjoy Thursday’s event.</p>
                                 <p>Roger DuPuis | Times Leader</p>

Former Wyoming Valley Art League board members Marge Bryant and Bill Browne enjoy Thursday’s event.

Roger DuPuis | Times Leader

<p>Chris Bohinski and Linda Joseph enjoy pastries from AmberDonia Bakery during Thursday’s ‘Fine Taste, Fine Art’ fundraiser.</p>
                                 <p>Roger DuPuis | Times Leader</p>

Chris Bohinski and Linda Joseph enjoy pastries from AmberDonia Bakery during Thursday’s ‘Fine Taste, Fine Art’ fundraiser.

Roger DuPuis | Times Leader

<p>State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, left, shakes hands with Wyoming Valley Art League Board President Don Armstrong on Thursday night during the group’s ‘Fine Taste, Fine Art’ fundraiser. Looking on are Beverly Johnston and Karen Ephlin.</p>
                                 <p>Roger DuPuis | Times Leader</p>

State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, left, shakes hands with Wyoming Valley Art League Board President Don Armstrong on Thursday night during the group’s ‘Fine Taste, Fine Art’ fundraiser. Looking on are Beverly Johnston and Karen Ephlin.

Roger DuPuis | Times Leader

<p>The Times Leader’s own Kerry Miscavage and Mike McGinley were on hand for Thursday’s festivities. The Times Leader was a sponsor for the event.</p>
                                 <p>Roger DuPuis | Times Leader</p>

The Times Leader’s own Kerry Miscavage and Mike McGinley were on hand for Thursday’s festivities. The Times Leader was a sponsor for the event.

Roger DuPuis | Times Leader

<p>State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski and Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown also were among the attendees.</p>
                                 <p>Roger DuPuis | Times Leader</p>

State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski and Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown also were among the attendees.

Roger DuPuis | Times Leader

<p>The Husty Bros. — Tim and Rob, respectively, from left — perform at the Wyoming Valley Art League’s Circle Center for the Arts on Thursday night.</p>
                                 <p>Roger DuPuis | Times Leader</p>

The Husty Bros. — Tim and Rob, respectively, from left — perform at the Wyoming Valley Art League’s Circle Center for the Arts on Thursday night.

Roger DuPuis | Times Leader

WILKES-BARRE — The conversation was sparkling, the setting was inspiring, the food was tantalizing and the crowd was substantial.

Indeed, there was a wait just to climb either staircase into the lobby of the Wyoming Valley Art League’s Circle Center for the Arts Thursday night as excited guests queued to sign in during the League’s ‘Fine Taste, Fine Art’ fundraiser at the Circle Center for the Arts on South Franklin Street.

“We are so pleased,” Wyoming Valley Art League Board President Don Armstrong said as he took a breather from greeting eager guests. “Our goal was 200 people. We’re expecting it will be 250 or more.”

The night’s draw?

Well, supporting the Art League, obviously, but of course there were perks.

For a $50 ticket, guests were treated to a sumptuous feast from a range of local eateries and catering establishments, including Bank+Vine, Franco’s, Istanbul Grill, Jonathans Restaurant, Luzerne Community College Culinary Institute, Rodano’s, The Mary Stegmaier Mansion (desserts), Michael Mootz Chocolates and AmberDonia Bakery, The Atrium Restaurant, Rikasa, Susquehanna Brewing Company and Abide Coffeehouse.

The Times Leader and Jonathan’s were sponsors of the event, which raises funds for the Art League’s mission.

All of this took place against the backdrop of artworks on display in the League’s stunning historical space.

As its website notes, the League “promotes fellowship among artists, provides an outlet for artistic talent, sponsors programs of both local and out-of-town artists, and fosters an interest in art within the Greater Wyoming Valley and its environs.”

Mayor George Brown, an eager advocate who also formerly served on the board, mingled among guests and was clearly happy to see the large and enthusiastic turnout.

“This is wonderful,” Brown said. “I’m so happy to see so many people here.”