The ARTs & Science Center hosted 166 guests for *Potpourri 2022: Roaring For The Arts* at The ARTSpace on Main on Dec. 3. The event was the first time ASC hosted the biennial fundraising gala since 2018.

ASC Hosts Gala for First Time Since 2018; Money Raised Will Support Catherine M. Bellamy Theater Upgrades

Red roses, exquisite dining, exciting auctions, and good times reigned during Potpourri 2022: Roaring for the Arts.

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas hosted its gala fundraiser at The ARTSpace on Main on Saturday, Dec. 3. It was the long-awaited return of the biennial event following a four-year hiatus. (Potpourri 2020 was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.)

Potpourri 2022 Chair Laura Beth Shaner (from left), ASC Executive Director Dr. Rachel Miller, and ASC Communications and Development Coordinator Morgun Henson.

Proceeds from the event and cash contribution campaign exceeded ASC’s $45,000 goal, and secured a matching 1:1 donation (up to $45,000) from an anonymous donor.

“Potpourri 2022 was a roaring success!” said Morgun Henson, ASC’s communications and development coordinator.

“We walked away from the evening feeling so grateful for the support we received during the fundraiser,” she said. “From the cash contributions, silent and live auctions, and the attendee turnout, it was better than we could have imagined. We are so appreciative of the guests who attended, and also everyone who helped make it happen.”

The money will go toward lighting and sound system upgrades in ASC’s 240-seat Catherine M. Bellamy Theater. The systems have not been updated since the building’s 1994 construction.

This year’s event was held in memory of longtime ASC supporter and volunteer Anne S. Robinson.

Sissy’s Log Cabin was the presenting sponsor of Potpourri.

Gold Level sponsors were Express Employment Professionals, Jefferson Regional Medical Center, M.K. Distributors, Relyance Bank, Simmons Bank. Silver Level sponsors were First Arkansas Insurance - Mike Carter, Kline Family Foundation, Pine Bluff Sand and Gravel Co., and RV City. Bronze Level sponsors were Petal Shoppe Florist and SEARK College.

Laura Beth Shaner was the 2022 Potpourri chair.

The 166 attendees enjoyed dinner by Chef Jamie McAfee of the Pine Bluff Country Club, and drinks sponsored by M.K. Distributors.

Blues guitarist Dave Sadler provided live music throughout the evening.

The silent art auction offered dozens of pieces by local and Arkansas-based artists, including featured artist John Kushmaul.

The silent spirits auction — one of the most popular features of Potpourri — also returned. Organized by volunteers Becky Simpson and Laura Lawson, the auction featured more than 90 items and thoughtfully curated packages.

Master of Ceremonies (and longtime volunteer) Matt Soto led the live auction. The lots included vacation and dinner packages, parties, jewelry, and even a year of Botox.

Henson, who organized much of the 2022 event, is already looking to the next Potpourri. “It was a fun evening and we look forward to hosting again in 2024!”

Cash Contributions

In addition to the money raised by the event’s ticket sales and auctions, cash contributions are an integral part of Potpourri fundraising. ASC is encouraging cash contributions for the Potpourri campaign through Dec. 31, 2022. Consider making an end-of-year donation at asc701.org/potpourri.

Of course, support is welcome year-round. Two of the most important and easiest ways to give are by donating at asc701.org/donate or by becoming a member. Or both!

Full Circle at The ARTSpace

The 2022 edition of Potpourri also marked the first time for the long-running event to be held in ASC’s ARTSpace. Formerly known as “the annex” and used for storage, The ARTSpace on Main (and its adjoining facility, ART WORKS) opened to the public in 2021.

It was at the last Potpourri, in December 2018, where ASC Executive Director Dr. Rachel Miller announced a $2.2 million grant award from the Windgate Foundation. The grant was to fund renovations of the century-old brick structure into a vibrant community arts and events space.