Hallet Oak Gallery hosting annual gala Jan. 13

Hallet Oak Gallery’s annual fundraising gala takes place from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, and they are taking RSVPs now along with donations of silent auction items.

Hallet Oak, for those not familiar, is the hub of Hallettsville’s vibrant art scene, with artists working in several different mediums using it as a gathering place for social events, to work and as an educational center where they can teach others about their unique craft or pick up a few new skills themselves. It also serves as a gallery to display works, featuring pieces that have gone on to win national shows in some of the world’s most respected fine arts communities.

Set in a historic downtown building on the western side of the courthouse square, Hallet Oak is on the opposite end of the block from city hall.

“We need pretty gift baskets or day trip adventures certificates and we are seeking live auction art items which would be desired artworks donated either by artists or the art lover collector,” executive director Mieko Mahi said. “We are not needing garage sale type items since this is an elegant event and buyers are expecting local business examples and interesting desired art pieces.”

This fundraiser will raise money so that the gallery can keep its doors open. This includes money for utilities, rent, security, and Wi-Fi.

“Some people think we make money to profit. However, we don’t profit, we donate,” Mahi said. “We have 15 artists that donate time and artworks for keeping the building open. We appreciate and depend on community support to keep arts downtown.”

Mahi wants people to experience the joys that the gallery has to offer, and they can’t do that without those who are willing to contribute to the fundraiser and donate their time to help.

“The joys we have to offer includes diversity of culture from around the world. It’s the local history, local flavors, local culture and expanding what we think art is. It’s that sharing of what we have learned and passing it on to other generations,” Mahi said. “The joy is in the faces. The faces of the artists, the teachers, and the students. The joy is the people.”

The gallery gives an opportunity for people to know all kinds of art, from current trends to modern art.

“We need the community to want to come to the art auction because they want to see the gallery continue its endeavors,” Mahi said. “A lot of planning and coordination goes on behind the scenes. Because the gallery is not fully funded, we depend on community support and, even if we had the funds, we have to have membership, donations, and volunteers. This is a non-profit organization. As we grow, our programs will grow.”

And that’s where the annual gala comes into play. Costs to attend the gala are $55 per person or $100 a couple.

Some of these programs include new 2024 art exhibits, free art activities, free tours of the gallery, and a new Lavaca River Ecosystem Tour field trip for schools.

Doors for the gallery will be open starting Feb. 13. Regular business hours will be Thursday through Saturday noon to 3 p.m.