Mt. Airy Art Garage hosts Hard Hat Ball for grand opening

You may see them donning hard hats this Saturday, Sept. 17, but it will be a day of play for the Mt. Airy Art Garage (MAAG) staff as they open their doors to the community and celebrate their grand opening.

Construction is still underway, but the garage is ready to begin hosting events this fall and work stations for artists will soon be available.

It’s a labor of love for Linda Slodki, president and co-founder of MAAG. She is ecstatic to see the garage open and begin to function as a space for community artists.

“This is a joyful celebration to say that we completed the construction,” said Slodki. “It’s really happening – and we’re excited to provide resources for artists in the community.”

The fundraising ball will feature music from Sharon Katz and The Peace Train, a renowned South African performance group. The night will start off with a special gala-reception with Sharon Katz at 6:30 p.m. and the ticket price, $40, includes admission to the concert. General admission, $25, is for the 7:30 p.m. performance.

A 15-percent off discount will be available at local area restaurants if you mention MAAG, including Earth, Bread, and Brewery, Golden Crust Pizza, Herb Scott Catering, Infusion Coffee and Tea, Mi Puebla Restaurant and Bakery, The Wine Thief Bistro and the Trolley Car Diner.

‘Like’ MAAG’s Facebook page for a chance to receive hard hat artwork from Ellen Benson. She is a member of Philadelphia’s Dumpster Divers, a group of artists who re-use cast-off pieces to make found object art.

After the ball, the garage will be staffed on a limited basis until the renovations are completed. All proceeds from the ball will go towards MAAG.

“Everything about MAAG is about community connections and connecting through art,” said Slodki, “we have raised every penny through community support.”

The ball will be held at the Mt. Airy Arts Garage, 11 West Mt. Airy Ave. For more information, visit www.mtairygarage.org.