Andrea Fors, aerialist, hangs from the ceiling of the Columbia Museum of Art during its recent fundraiser, Soirée Du Soleil. See Columbia, page 14 Photo by Temple Ligon The Columbia Art Museum held its annual fundraiser, Soirée Du Soleil gala, to support its mission to inspire, educate, and enrich lives through art April 18. Guests experienced the world of French impressionist artists. The museum was transformed into an indoor garden with European studio vignettes and French countryside fare to create the time of artists such as Cezanne. Included were masterpieces from the Davies Collection. Hanging from the ceiling was an aerialist, Andrea Fors, whose movements during the night exemplified the artistic form of the human body. Tickets were $150 in advance and $175 at the door. The event was a success with 850 people attending. An online auction coincided with the event.

A volunteer committee of over 80 people from the community organized the event. Carol Shropshire served as the gala chair and honorary chairs were Melissa and Joe Blanchard, who are presenting sponsors of the exhibition in Columbia. Committee chairs included Bruce Bahr, Steven Ford, Shani Gilchrist, Martie Kapp, Mary Kessler, Beth Kibler, Willson Powell, Hannah Rogers, Judy Seibels, and John Whitehead.

Paige Haggard made her costume out of bottle caps Soiree du Soleil was sponsored by generous donors. Platinum Sponsors (Parrain de Platine) were BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Southern Way Catering and Van Jean Womenswear. Gold Sponsors (Parrain d'Or) were Shawn Allen and Carolyn Holtschlag Allen. Silver Sponsors (Parrain d'Argent) were ACS Sound and Lighting, Gail and Steve Anastasion, AT&T, John and Kay Bachmann, Mary and Clinch Belser, Dr. Suzan D. Boyd and M. Edward Sellers, Carolina First Bank, Columbia Music Festival Association, Doctors Care, Joyce and Bob Hampton, Susan B. and C. Carroll Heyward, Mr. and Mrs. R. C. McEntire, Michelin North America, Dr. and Mrs. Ronald C. Rogers, Dr. Jack M. and Sarah Smith, Brude and Ann Stoever and Westend / Evon Kirkland Interiors.

Dr. Laura Rickenmann and Councilman Daniel Rickenmann Beth and Mayor Bob Coble and Raynette and E.W. Cromartie George Crouch and Diana Como AnnaBelle LaRoque and Joab Dick