Celebrate the Ottumwa and Wapello County arts community at the 2026 Arts Gala, Timeless Style—Timely Art, happening Thursday, May 28, at Bridge View Center. The robust arts community is invited to come together, starting at 5:30 p.m., for a stylish evening featuring valet parking, pre-party festivities with hors d’oeuvres, live music by The Dave Sharp Quartet and a complimentary beverage. Following this will be an elegant 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 Felix Torrez-Ponce, a Broadway, regional theatre and television performer whose credits include “Sweeney Todd” on Broadway and in the recent Marvel series “Daredevil: Born Again”. A familiar face to the community, , Torrez-Ponce was a member of the American Gothic Performing Arts company in 2021 and 2022. In keeping with the theme – “mod-style” attire is encouraged.
The 2026 Arts Gala will equally benefit Bridge View Center and American Gothic Performing Arts.
“Every year, we’re reminded of what a community can accomplish when it comes together,” said American Gothic Performing Arts Festival Director Dennis Willhoit. “It feels fitting that our town – known for its ‘tumbling waters’ and its bridges – also understands the arts as a kind of bridge. The arts connect us, ground us and help make sense of the world around us. They invite us to see one another more clearly, to appreciate the beauty in our midst- and, of course, to celebrate together.”
Tickets to the Gala start at $135 per-person; a table of eight starts at $1,000. Seating is limited and reservations are required by noon on Friday, May 22, by calling Mary Simmons at 641-684-7000 or visiting AmericanGothicFest.org/gala.
Auction items for the event will be announced soon.
Menu items for the evening:
Hors d’oeuvres
Mini Beef Wellington Bites: Puff Pastry | Mushroom Duxelles | Beef Tenderloin | Perigeux Sauce | Chervil
Stuffed Belgian Endives: Belgian Endive | Maytag Mousse | Prosciutto Di Parma | Amarena Cherries | Port Wine Redux
Chef Adam’s Amuse-Bouche
Smoked Salmon Blini’s: Russian Blini’s | Cold Smoked Salmon | Bottarga | Capers | Red Onion | Meyer Lemon Crème Fraiche | Dill
Signature Salad
Spring Farmers Market Salad: Roquette | Frisee | Hearts of Palm | Heirloom Tomatoes | Maytag Blue Cheese Crumbles | Candied Pecans | Raspberry Vinaigrette
Entrée Courses
· Roasted New York Strip Loin with Sauce á l’américaine
· Smoked Prime Rib of Pork with Charcutiere Sauce
· Roasted Vegetable Provencal Tart: Flaky Butter Pastry, Ratatouille of Zucchini, Eggplant and Tomato, Goat Cheese Mousse, Herbes de Provence, Balsamic Reduction
All entrées served with:
Herb-Roasted Fingerling Potatoes: Garlic Confit, Extra Virgin Oil, Fleur De Sel, Pink Peppercorns Steamed Rainbow Carrots: Hot Honey Glaze (Not Spicy), European Butter, Fleur De Sel, Pink Peppercorns
Dessert
Delicate Lemon Cake: Limoncello-Infused Mascarpone Cream, Macerated Berries, Lemon Zest, Fresh Mint
“One of the things we especially like about this menu is the variety and balance across courses,” Hunt said. “The hors d’oeuvres and amuse-bouche offer a sophisticated start with recognizable yet elevated items like Beef Wellington and smoked salmon blini. The salad course is vibrant and texturally dynamic, providing a refreshing contrast before the entrée. For the main course, offering three entrée options (beef, pork, and vegetarian) ensures that all guests feel considered, regardless of preference. Each option is carefully composed to feel equally intentional and satisfying, which is key to delivering a cohesive dining experience.”
