27-03-2025
Wright State's ArtsGala to highlight students' creative talents
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – Wright State University's annual ArtsGala will soon highlight students' creative works.
The gala is considered one of the premier arts events in the Miami Valley. It will be a showcase of art, films, music, theater and dance that will ultimately raise money for scholarships.
This year is the 26th for the gala. It will be on Saturday, April 5, in the Creative Arts Center at the Dayton Campus. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the ceremony will start at 7 p.m.
Over 250 students will participate in the event, which will offer attendees a look into the creative world of the School of Fine and Performing Arts.
'This night, every area is represented in some way,' said Steven Aldredge, the school's interim chair and lecturer of music. 'There'll be lots of variety. We want everyone to have something to enjoy.'
Coffee shop event to raise money for Dayton Children's
Art Gallery and Events Coordinator in the College of Liberal Arts, Rebecca Foley, shared the importance of the event, calling it a tradition.
'The support for the students is strong. This is something we've been able to maintain,' said Foley. 'The School of Fine and Performing Arts is a strong program, and the community support of that is unwavering.'
Over $4 million has been raised for scholarships by the gala. It is raised through ticket sales, sponsorships and the silent auction.
Chair of the ArtsGala Host Committee and a 1989 Wright State elementary education graduate, Josh Stucky, shared his thoughts about the money raised.
'Knowing the money is going to fine and performing art students is wonderful,' said Stucky. 'For this year, the silent auction is really amped up. There are more items than usual. More domestic travel packages. More incorporating the arts downtown for a complete night on the town.'
The auction will have multiple luxury items available, from artwork, fine dining certificates, wines, cigars, gift baskets, travel and entertainment packages.
There will be five culinary options available during the student performances in themed dining rooms. Appetizer tables will have extra snacks, drinks, desserts and coffee available.
Great Dayton flood: A disaster that shaped Ohio's history forever
Anna Hedges, a junior vocal performance major who will sing a solo aria from Puccini's Gianni Schicchi, said she's looking forward to the evening.
'ArtsGala is good for students in many ways,' said Hedges. 'It's a great opportunity for us to collaborate with other students and faculty who you may not usually work with, in a small timeframe to put on a cohesive show. It's good for people in the arts to know how to do that.'
She continued, saying it's good that students will get to network with the public and patrons.
'We get to show the public and patrons what we can do, the kind of caliber of artists Wright State creates. Especially for those in charge of local arts organizations, this is the only time they would see us perform. It's a cool networking opportunity.'
Tickets can be bought here. There are three available levels: the $300 patron, $400 distinguished patron and $550 grand patron.
More information on the gala, including menus, is available here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
