Approximately 300 people attended the WLS Tenth Annual Art Fest fundraiser, held on the evening of Friday, October 3, 2003 at the beautiful Julia Morgan House and Gardens in Sacramento. A huge success, the Art Fest raised approximately $12,500 for the WLS Foundation, which funds scholarships for law students and provides grants to local charities.

Before dinner, many attendees mingled with friends and colleagues on the terrace or by the fountain, enjoying a variety of fine wines donated by Cooper Vineyards and Oakstone Winery. Both wineries had representatives at the Art Fest pouring wine and providing guests with information about their distinctive and flavorful wines. In addition, a selection of ales and lagers was provided to guests courtesy of the Hoppy Brewing Company.

Some of the Art Fest attendees opted to take one of several free tours of the architecturally significant residence offered by the Julia Morgan House and Gardens staff. Designed by Julia Morgan, who is regarded as one of America’s greatest architects, the house was built in the early 1920’s as a private residence for Charles and Mary Goethe. In the late 1960s, the home was bequeathed to California State University Sacramento by a will providing that future uses of the house contribute to the well being of children and the elderly.

Those who toured the house had the rare opportunity to see some of the upstairs rooms not generally viewed by the public and learn even more about the history of this impressive residence. Given Julia Morgan’s legacy as a formidable pioneer of equal opportunities for women in the professions, having the WLS Art Fest fundraiser in a house designed by her was a fitting venue for the event.

In keeping with the “Art Fest” theme, the evening showcased a diverse selection of art, exhibited by local artists. The featured art included chair sculptures by Marcia Augsburger, pottery by Rebecca Bresnick Holmes, African art sculptures by Kanika, and natural landscapes by Patris. Additionally, Ken Rabiroff displayed photographs of jazz musicians and other subjects, Stewart Savage showed a range of functional ceramic ware, and Maria and Wanda of ETCETERA offered a collection of silver jewelry.

Not only did attendees have the opportunity to view and purchase objets d’art, many helped generate support for the WLS Foundation by participating in the highly popular silent auction, for which River City Bank provided valuable assistance.

Amidst the backdrop of classical guitar music performed by Daniel Westin Morton, guests enjoyed a fabulous buffet dinner catered by All Seasons All Reasons. Another highlight of the evening was the awarding of scholarships by WLS President Debra Roberts Ries to four outstanding law students in the community: Maria Jaime, Agnes Juang, Jennifer Haffner, and Yunge Liu.

Proceeds from the Art Fest go to the WLS Foundation, a non- profit corporation, which not only awards scholarships, but also makes grants to local nonprofit organizations serving women and children in the community. Past recipients include such organizations as WEAVE, Wellspring Women’s Center, Women’s Wisdom Project, Linkage to Education, and Maryhouse.

The Development Committee of WLS gratefully acknowledges the generosity of the underwriters of the event and those who made in-kind donations. Additionally, the committee extends a special thanks to the WLS Board, volunteers, supporters, and attendees of the event for helping make the WLS Tenth Annual Art Fest a smashing success.