The Roaring Twenties were alive and well at Gallery 5 on Friday, February 10th, for the third annual Sweethearts for the Arts, a blushworthy benefit for Art On Wheels. The theme this year was “Speakeasy,” and flappers flocked in droves to this exclusive gin joint to enjoy a night of decadent debauchery for a good cause. Easy to spot in his bright purple tux, co-founder Kevin Orlosky said, “Sweethearts For The Arts is a way to have a great time, showcase some of the amazing performance art from our community, and to support the means to spread art education to areas of the community that could really benefit from it." The event was hosted by the incomparable, Miss Magnolia Jackson Pickett Burnside, the hostess with the mostest, who kept us in stitches throughout the night and ranged from plucky to poignant when talking about the importance of Art On Wheels and the benefits of bringing joy and beauty to people in need of such empowerment--such as the many elderly groups the nonprofit works closely with.
The crowd of dames and daddies came to cut a rug to the musical stylings of The High Street Lowlifes and the dulcet tones of Miss Alison Self, stopping to hoot, holler and clap for the bold and beautiful routines choreographed by the Richmond Institute of Burlesque performers. The performances were a mix of comedy and reckless abandon, but were all stunningly impressive, and heightened the taboo feel of the event’s disobedient theme. Highlights included the fantastic footwork of the only gentleman who graced the stage, Mr. Chris Chaos; duet dances from veteran vixens Deepa Du Jour and Dolli Holliday, as The Garter Snaps; and the mischievously darling Miss Etta Pancetta.
To give the crowd a chance to whet their whistles and cool their jets between acts, the Magical Mad Scientist, Doc Volz, performed mind bending illusions for the audience, and DJ Jamie Lay rocked stacks of wax for everyone to boogie and imbibe to. Gliding through the crowd sharing smiles with everyone was Andrea Orlosky, partner and co-founder of Art On Wheels, who looked like a starlet from the twenties as she greeted the costumed crowd. She was elated at the turn out and excitedly commented, “We’re so happy to see so many people come out to support Art On Wheels! Because we work with such isolated populations, it can be a challenge to keep the general public aware of our impact in the community. The sold out crowd of Sweethearts, as well as the host of performers who donate their time and talent to the event, really shows how our mission resonates with people. Their generosity and support allows our outreach to have a broader impact in the region."
Raffle prizes from Taboo, Red Salon, Henry, Nouveau Riche Soap, and other area businesses rounded out the night, and there were even themed drink specials to get people in the speakeasy style. All proceeds supported Art On Wheels’ endeavor to bring comprehensive arts programming to communities with limited access to the arts, where they continue to empower people through creativity.
For more information on how you can make a difference by supporting Art On Wheels, please visit them online at artonwheels-va.org, or “Like” them on Facebook to learn about upcoming events!
Words by Caroline Upshaw
Images by Molly Williams