Dominican Retreat, a spiritual center, had its normally tranquil setting interrupted Sunday evening with a fund-raiser featuring performing and visual arts. People from all over the metropolitan area came to the small campus in McLean to support the mission of the sisters and to enjoy the variety of art and artists displayed throughout the retreat.
This is the first time that supporters of Dominican Retreat have held an arts fund-raiser. In the past they have held teas to raise money. Dominican Retreat is run by The Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine de'Ricci and provides a place of reflection and study for women, including retreats and workshops.
The event chairwoman Terry Nelson said, “For the ministry of Dominican Retreat, a place like this always runs a deficit, and the sisters would never turn anyone away.” Some 20 percent of the money raised from the sale of art objects went to the sisterhood.
Joan Brown, who helped organize the artists for the show, said, “We wanted to get a broader base than just the retreat [members]. Art appeals to everyone.”
The event was well attended, but Brown said the organizers were initially apprehensive about how successful this fund-raiser would be. “This has been wonderful. We were concerned because only a few people had signed up ahead of time, but it looks like a lot of people came spur of the moment,” said Brown.
Several artists attended the fund-raiser and demonstrated their talents. Twelve artists were in residence for the exhibit, while many more had works on display. Ramon Camarillo dazzled patrons on the patio by throwing mammoth ceramic art forms, which he later Raku-fired. His vessels sold for several hundred dollars and were considered a hot item, planners said .
“He’s very talented. I knew he would demonstrate, and he’s got a great personality for demonstrating. He’s very charismatic,” said Brown.
Donelle Camarillo said they were glad to attend the fund-raiser and to help the Dominican Retreat. The Camarillos have donated vessels in the past to be auction to raise money for the group.
“This is the perfect setting for celebrating the arts,” said Nelson. “This is a natural setting. Nature and art allow us to explore our spirituality and come together as one.”
“Certainly the mood, the feeling, is that everyone is having fun,” said Nelson. The art evening might become an annual tradition if the show proves to be a success when the sales are tallied.