Celebrating the Arts in a Record-Breaking Whidbey Evening

Under brilliant blue skies on the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA) Langley campus, the arts organization celebrated its 30th year in style with a pearl-themed gala fundraiser. Aptly named the 30th Anniversary Celebration: The Year of the Pearl, participants were treated to an evening of elegance under a bedecked outdoor tent, a costume-filled Zech Hall black box theatre, and a Mainstage teeming with pearl and oyster accents. It was an evening more than three decades in the making as WICA celebrated its journey to this very moment in a 24-minute documentary that featured early supporters, long-time board members, and community artists positively impacted by the arts organization. The event was co-chaired by Michele Venetis and Deborah Ehrlichman.

“I doubt if the founders had any idea of the success and the beauty of this dream that they had. But when I look back, they are incredible visionaries,” said WICA Executive Artistic Director Deana Duncan in filmed remarks. “All those people who got together for ten years to just talk and dream and raise funds and build Whidbey Island Center for the Arts—I can't thank you enough. You made my dream come true, and you've made a million other dreams come true. We wouldn't be here without a community who believed in a dream.”

The evening, which began with a social hour on the Zech Hall patio under the iconic WICA white tent, was accompanied by music from the group Little Habits, a pop-up Oyster Bar, and hors d'oeuvres by Freeland-based Biercuterie. Guests had the opportunity to take part in a silent auction of long-time WICA supporter and founding board member Earl Lasher’s watercolor paintings as well as participate in a Wine Grab. In Zech Hall, guests saw WICA theatre history in person, with costumes from performances over the past three decades lining the Zech Hall catwalk.

On the Michael Nutt Mainstage, guests sat beneath blue lights and large "pearls" and were serenaded by the King Tide Trio. A family-style dinner was provided by award-winning Oystercatcher Chef Ben Jones and guests took part in a live auction and raise the paddle event. A surprise mission moment occurred toward the later part of the evening when WICA Bridge Family Scholarship recipient Danika Justyne Kloewer was invited to speak by WICA board member Jonathan Beard. She then treated guests to an original song she wrote about growing up on Whidbey.

The evening ended with the announcement that more than $380,000 was raised, making this gala one of the highest-grossing fundraising events that the organization has had to date.

“It’s been a journey to this moment and we’ve enjoyed celebrating all that has been accomplished over our 30 years on this island. A special thank you to our Gala Committee who made this event a success,” said Duncan. “Now, we look to the future, saying ‘yes’ to new stories, ideas, and voices, and we invite all of you to join us in shaping the next three decades at WICA.”

Truly an astounding evening! The energy and intention of WICA supporters in the room revealed incredible positive momentum and interest in ensuring the arts have a home here on Whidbey Island for years to come. - Billy Tierney, WICA Managing/Marketing Director

I see more than just an arts center. I see three decades of shared history. I see a community that believes in the transformational power of art. I couldn't be prouder to be part of the team at WICA, and looking around the room that evening, it was clear that this group ensures WICA remains vibrant for the next generation. - Rachel Cook, WICA Development Manager

It was a wonderful way to remember our history and those who have gone before, and to learn about current and new directions. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful organization on our island, all the product of a wonderful community, incredible staff, and volunteers! - Judy Morton, community member and former board member

The organization’s second half season programming has been announced, with notable summer opportunities that include the Whidbey Telecom Summer Nights Series and Happy Hours Under the Tent that run through September 12, and the July 8 Nearly Dan concert, a performance which promises an evening dedicated to the music, musicianship, and unmistakable style of Steely Dan. To learn more about WICA and upcoming programming, visit WICAonline.org.