The Alaska State Library, Archives and Museum had a temporary exhibit on charitable parties last Saturday.
The Mask-erade Ball brought a crowd to the Andrew P. Kashevaroff Building’s mezzanine to enjoy refreshments and live music from Susu and the Prophets.
“Everyone was out clapping their hands, having a fantastic time,” said Mary Lou Gerbi, Friends of the Alaska State Library, Archives and Museum president. “It just felt like family. It was just so fun to dress up.”
The event served as a fundraiser for FOSLAM and a celebration of the organization’s 50th anniversary. Masks were made by Alaskan artists specifically for the event, and the masks were auctioned off.
While the total raised is still being calculated, Gerbi said, almost $1,000 was raised via the auction of Alaskan artists’ masks and a mask-making workshop held prior to the ball.
However, the Mask-erade Ball, which Gerbi said is anticipated to become an annual event, was about more than stocking FOSLAM’s coffers.
“We do know that we had about 75 folks in there,” Gerbi said. “The ticket prices were so low that we knew we weren’t going to make a lot on tickets, but the goal was to get a younger crowd in the building, and there were quite a few people who said they had never been there, so I think we accomplished that goal.”
Gerbi said the funds raised allow her organization to sponsor events, bring in speakers and exhibits to the museum and more.
Some upcoming events include: a First Friday exhibit opening 4:30-7 p.m. Nov. 2 with free admission at the museum and lecture at 7 p.m. by Larry McNeil; a First Saturday Nov. 3 Youth Activity Grant children’s archaeological drawing workshop with Kathy Hocker; a Marketplace at the APK for authors and artists, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 23-24, during Public Market; a Raffle drawing during Gallery Walk and First Friday reception at the APK, Friday, Dec. 7; and an Annual Meeting, Saturday, Dec. 8, at the APK Lecture Hall. The meeting is open to the public, and there is free admission into the building.
Mary Lou Gerbi, FOSLAM president, smiles in a borrowed mask from Venice during the Mask-erade Ball held to raise money for Friends of the State Library, Archives and Museum. An auction of custom-made masks and a mask-making workshop raised $914 for the organization. (Courtesy photo | Mary Lou Gerbi for FOSLAM)
The Mask-erade Ball held at the Alaska State Library, Archive and Museum was well attended.(Courtesy photo | Mary Lou Gerbi for FOSLAM)
