Local organizations understand the fine art of festivals

September has been a fun-filled month with lots of outdoor festivals. Art shows are usually part of the activities, and a great way to find that special treasure.

THERE'S still chatter about the Hidden Garden Party Sept. 11 at Schedel Arboretum & Gardens in Elmore, Ohio. For those who have not been to the site, it offers breathtaking views you do not want to miss. The gardens are open through Oct. 31.

Attending the party was like being in Seurat's painting, A Sunday on La Grand Jatte, because the property was at the peak of its beauty.

Flanked on one side by the upper lake and by a waterfall which is the source of a brook flowing into a tranquil Japanese garden, guests were serenaded by the music of the Toledo Symphony Orchestra's Jazz Trio. There were wines from Mid-Ohio Wines, and tasty edibles from Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano. The meal was topped off with desserts from Sofo's.

Mark Reilly, left, and Nancy Reilly with a painting by John Wurzell, center. The couple purchased the work at the Hidden Garden Party at Schedel Arboretum & Gardens.

Live and silent auctions had guests in bidding wars for a variety of tempting items as auctioneer John Whalen enticed them to bid higher and higher. A day's use of a corporate airplane for five, a painting done in the garden setting during the party by wildlife painter Harold Roe, a condo on Long Boat Key, renting the services of Schedel gardeners for a day, a gourmet dinner for six in the Schedel home, a night in the Schedel guest house by the lake, and a variety of unusual plants including two Japanese bonsai trees, were just a few of the offerings.

A John Wurzell painting of a scene in the gardens was bought by Mark and Nancy Reilly of Elmore.

Also seen were honorary chairmen Ed and Linda Reiter and Larry Dillin, as well as Cheryl Hardy, Tom and Mary Pat Anderson, Bob and Joan Samsen, Paulette Bond and Charlene Cutro, Emerson Ross and Patty Page, Jim and Rita Shindler, Pat and Marilyn McAlear, Bob and Pat Maurer, Rod and Patty Noble, David and Myrna Bryan, Dick and Kathy Faist, Jean and Janet Ward, and Dick and Dolly Flasck.

Schedel's arty party was not the only game in town that day:

OTTAWA Hills Celebrates the Arts was Sept. 11 in the village's Arrowhead Park, located at the junction of Bancroft Street and Secor and Indian roads. Villagers brought lawn chairs and blankets to camp out for an afternoon of ice cream and art. In addition to all the festivities, including performances of dance, music and poetry, there was a children's art activities area. But the highlight was the Sculpture in the Park exhibition first conceived by the late mayor, Jean Youngen. The show of outdoor sculpture, which runs through this month, includes fiber glass, steel, bronze, concrete, and plaster structures that are visual masterpieces. Yellow Butterfly by Jim Havens, one of two permanent pieces, was dedicated to Mrs. Youngen. Chairman of the event was Laura Baird, assisted by art curator Peggy Grant and a host of volunteers.

THE URSULINE Sisters hosted their second annual Art Show Sept. 11 at the Ursuline Center. The show featured works created by the sisters, including Sister Elizabeth Brell and the late Sister Jane Catherine Lauer, as well as area artists, including Beverly Domalski, Angela Kline, Mary Hill, the Rev. Daniel Early, and Julie Bermudez. Guests were treated to refreshments as they toured and shopped.

Several other opportunities provided a chance to peruse and purchase art while socializing with friends on the local front:

HARRISON Rally Day was Sept. 17 in downtown Perrysburg. In addition to food, entertainment, and crafts, there was a juried art show, the Rally for the Arts, presented by the Perrysburg Arts Council. The best of show prize of $400 went to Jeff Rodriguez, Cynthia Maxwell, and Dale Lehmann, who created a ceramics piece.

The first place prize of $300 was presented to watercolorist Aaron Bivins; second prize of $200 went to photographer Agnes Barnes, and third prize of $100 was awarded to pastel artist Mary Jane Erard. There also were several honorable mentions and lots of shopping.

THE ROCHE De Boeuf Festival, held Sept. 24 in downtown Waterville, included an art and craft show. Ditto for the Black Swamp Arts Festival held earlier this month in Bowling Green. The event is noted for its show of fine arts.

Keep September in mind next year for art shows. The festivals are fun and a great place to find that art treasure for your home or as a gift for others.

SPEAKING of creative types, the Press Club of Toledo's seventh annual Touchstone Awards is slated for Oct. 6 at the Toledo Club. News makers and shakers will be there in full force. If you want to mingle with media types, the action for the business-attire event starts at 6 p.m. Press club members, nonmembers, and students are invited - that pretty much means everyone - and students get a special rate. For reservations, call 419-474-8216 or e-mail kathy@pressclubtoledo.com.

HANDSOME glass desk plaques were presented to sponsors of the Home Builders Association's soiree for graduates of the Certified New Home Sales Professional course. The event was Sept. 22 at the HBA office in Maumee. The graduates received certificates, pins, and recognition.

Then it was time to taste fabulous wines from Berman Wine Co. and international cheeses from Sofo's as the Eric Dickey Trio played jazz.