Gallery To Grinds - Art Safari, a night of art appreciation

The room was full; all seats were taken at the Escape Café and the mood was light. The murmur of casual banter and an occasional burst of quiet laughter kept the atmosphere cheerful. A violinist played a medley of music in a softly lit corner of the room while in another corner a group of visitors chatted beside the warmth of the fireplace. It was the night of the Art Safari, a night of art appreciation co-hosted by Joyce and Bill Munden – owners of Advantage Frame and Gallery, and Lisa McClair – owner of Escape Café, both located in Fall River.

“We wanted to let people know there was art on display at the Café, as well as at the Gallery,” said Joyce. “I was chatting with Lisa, putting ideas together for a fun event to introduce people to the idea. We had been thinking of doing something together since August.” Lucky for the two, Gallery employee Deborah Van Leer had the perfect suggestion.

“We were thinking of something like a “Progressive Dinner”, where people visited from place to place,” said Joyce, “Deborah suggested the name Art Safari. In Britain, where she’s from, they refer to a Progressive Dinner as a Safari Dinner!”

“We loved the idea! I thought it would be a fun way to introduce people to our art,” said Joyce.

Lisa agrees, “When Joyce and I first spoke about it I thought “why not?” It really sounded like such a good idea!” she said. “Bill and Joyce are great people. They’ve brought so much to the community. I loved doing this with them.”

During the Safari, people first visited the Gallery and had the opportunity to sip a glass of punch and have a nibble on a treat from the veggie tray while viewing the artwork on display there.  Paintings by Sara Jane Conklin, Laurel Rath, Helene Fournier, and Monika Wright were among them, and the Gallery now has glass figures and other interesting items for sale. “We have expanded from our framing. We wanted to bring more to the Gallery, and I think we have done that with the wonderful art we now have available to choose from,” said Joyce. Almost all of the art at the Gallery is from local artists, a few of whom came out to enjoy the evening and to mingle with the public.  Many visitors then moved along to the Escape Café, where more work from Gallery artists is on display. There, folks could try a fancy coffee, have a cup of green tea, or taste a delectable piece of coffee cake, cheesecake, or a muffin. Music was supplied by fiddler Mitchel Fleming of Fletcher’s Lake.

“People thought it was a great idea!” said Joyce. “We were all pleasantly surprised.” She hesitated before adding, “We’ll definitely do it again!”