Anton Arkhipov will be at Contemporary Fine Arts Gallery during Promote La Jolla's Gallery Wine Walk & Taste Thursday.
Anton Arkhipov will discuss works such as 'In the Money' at Contemporary Fine Arts Gallery.
Something new has been added to make Promote La Jolla's Gallery and Wine Walk more flavorful this year - taste.
Eighteen restaurants are joining 15 art galleries in hosting the seventh annual event rechristened La Jolla Gallery Wine Walk & Taste, to be held throughout the Village from 5 to 9 p.m.
Adding a fresh culinary dimension to make the fundraiser even more of a lure this year was a natural, said Nancy Warwick who, along with Jennifer Clark, is on the PLJ Promotions Committee.
"Last year, some of the galleries ran out of food," Warwick said. "We don't expect that to happen this year as the event includes stops at restaurants which will be presenting food so people can keep refilling as needed."
Clark said that adding restaurants to the mix this year was suggested by PLJ board member Terry Underwood, who noted how successful the Taste of La Jolla fundraiser for La Jolla High Foundation has been over the years with participants lingering even after the event to socialize. Having food at restaurants also solved logistical and promotional problems with having food catered.
"A lot of the art galleries didn't love having food, and it's different when you have to prepare the food and get it to a gallery: People don't see the direct link that evening," Clark said. "That's why we separated the food from the galleries and the wine."
Other benefits accrue from the event due to its nature.
"It draws a diverse age group," Clark said. "It gets people covering more ground in La Jolla."
Clark added that this year's function will be a trade-off compared with years past. "There are fewer galleries because of the economy, but we're adding restaurants and the wine is being purchased by Dave and Megan Hein of Brockton Villa and Beaumont's, which is awesome."
Event ticket sales are progressing.
"We're doing really well - we're actually right on track with where we were last year to sell out with 1,000 tickets," said Natalie Gomez, director of marketing for McFarlane Promotions, which is presenting the event.
Promote La Jolla President Rick Wildman said the group hopes to make $11,000 from the event after expenses.
"We're expecting to sell 600 tickets before the event and 400 the day of the event," he said.
Warwick encouraged La Jollans to come out and support their merchant district's fundraiser.
"We need the money for (water) hanging flower baskets and for beautifying La Jolla," she said.
Contemporary Fine Arts Gallery, at 7946 Ivanhoe Ave., has something special planned for the art, wine and food fest: a personal appearance by featured artist Anton Arkhipov.
"He'll be displaying new paintings," Suzanne King said. "He has this wonderful, playful, figurative style that's just unique with different themes like baseball and horses. He's very romantic in his depictions, uses a lot of iconography and symbolism to portray his ideas."
Each gallery location will host samples of red and white wines, including some unexpected blends and possibly even a few brands of the latest bubbly.
Combining food, wine and art in one evening is likely to translate into one thing: fun.
Event tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the information center on Herschel Avenue during the event. Tickets are on sale at Warwick's Bookstore at 7812 Girard Ave. and at Contemporary Fine Arts, Derissi, Las Manos del Artesano, Madison and Prospect Place art galleries as well as Bubba's, Prospect Bar and Grill and Sante Ristorante or online at www.mcfarlanepromotions.com.
Participants Participating art venues include Carlton Gallery, Charles Hecht Galleries, Contemporary Fine Arts Gallery, Derissi Gallery, Images of Nature, Las Manos del Artesano, Madison Gallery, Monarchy Gallery, O'Bernier Gallery, Prospect Place Fine Art, Siamak Art Gallery and Simic Galleries. Participating restaurants: Alfonso's, Bubba's Smokehouse BBQ, Burgundy Grill & Wine Bar, George's at the Cove, Karl Strauss Brewery, La Jolla Brewhouse, Little Korea, Sammy's Woodfired Pizza, PrepKitchen restaurant, Prospect Bar & Grill, Sabor d'Italia, Sante Ristorante, Trattoria Acqua and Vigilucci's Seafood, Steak and Chophouse.
Dave Schwab Dave Schwab is a reporter with the La Jolla Light. Contact Dave at (858) 875-5951 or daves@lajollalight.com.
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