HOST 2025 ARTS GALA
Celebrate the Ottumwa and Wapello County arts community at the 2025 Arts Gala-An Audacious Tomorrow, happening Thursday, May 29, at Bridge View Center. Hosted by Andréa Edge and Thomas Roberson (American Gothic Performing Arts) and Diane and Ted Haas (Bridge View Center, Inc.), the robust arts community is invited to come together, starting at 5:30 p.m., for a bold evening featuring valet parking, pre-party festivities with hors d’oeuvres, live music by The Dave Sharp Trio and cocktails by Appanoose 1933. Following this will be an elegant, five-course meal prepared by Bridge View Center Executive Chef Adam Hunt and a 7 p.m. champagne toast. The Bridge View Center is located at 102 Church Street, in Ottumwa.
Enjoy performances from Andrew Varela, who has performed the role of “Les Misérables’” Joean Valjean over 300 times on Broadway and national tours, along with other American Gothic Festival artis throughout the evening. The dynamic Jesse Lawrence will serve as emcee and is ready to light up the Gala with his energy and heartfelt pride for the Ottumwa community. In keeping with the theme – “audacious, Spring attire” is encouraged. The 2025 Arts Gala will equally benefit Bridge View Center and American Gothic Performing Arts.
“We are thrilled with the community’s growing commitment to the arts,” American Gothic Performing Arts Festival Director, Dennis Willhoit, said. “The ‘audacity’ of this Southeast Iowa community is what inspires those of us working in the arts. Ottumwans roll up their sleeves to get the job done and to shine the light on our city – this is yet another example of how we roll up our sleeves and shine the light on our city and all it has to offer.”
Tickets to the Gala start at $125 per-person; a table of eight starts at $1,000. Seating is limited and reservations are required by noon on Friday, May 23, by calling Mary Simmons 641-684-7000 or visiting AmericanGothicFest.org/gala.
Auction items for the event include:
· Backyard picnic for 10 from Warehouse BBQ
· Four seasonal pot inserts from Earl May Garden Center
· Two season tickets to Indian Hills basketball
· Pool party + pizza donated by David and Kris Uehling
· Edd the Florist Basket
· Four hours of spring cleaning from Brenda’s Cleaning
· Round of golf for four with cart at Cedar Creek
· Chef Table for eight at Bridge View Center
· Dinner at home for eight by Chef Adam Hunt from Bridge View Center
· Four tickets and parking pass to the Sunday, July 6, 2025, Zac Brown concert at The John Deere Classic “Concerts on The Course” in Silvis, Ill., donated by JD Classic.
· Framed painting by Mark McWhorter
· Two-pairs of Producer Pass tickets at Chanhassen Dinner Theater.
Menu items for the evening:
Chef Adam’s Amuse-Bouche
Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta: Crisp Crostini | Shaved Aged Parmesan Cheese | Heirloom tomato confit | Greek Olive Tapenade | Basil Chiffonade Imported Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Aged Balsamic Vinegar from Modena | Smoked Sea Salt | Crushed Pink Peppercorns
Bridge View Signature Salad
Spring Farmers Market Salad: Seven Baby Mixed Greens | Julienned Hearts of Palm | Asparagus | Cucumber | Heirloom Tomato | Shaved Red Onion | Goat Cheese Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette
Entrée Courses
· Petite Bistro Style Steak | Truffle Compound Butter
· Locally Raised Prime Rib of Pork | Raspberry Coulis
· Roasted Ratatouille Stuffed Portabella Mushroom
All entrées served with: Layered Dauphinoise Potato Gratin | Locally Raised and Sauteed Asparagus
Dessert
Delicate Lemon Cake | White Chocolate Mousse| Lemon Custard | Raspberry Jam | Fresh Mint Sprig
About Bridge View Center
The Bridge View Center, opened in 2007, is nestled on the banks of the Des Moines River and is the crown jewel for the City of Ottumwa. This 92,000 square foot complex features an Expo Hall, adjoining conference/meeting space, a state-of the art Theater and a Grand Lobby that welcomes you in! It is the premier destination in SE Iowa for concerts, theatrical events and conventions.
