The 38th annual gala and art auction highlighted all the amazing things Camp Fire accomplished in 2022 and provided further support for what’s to come in 2023.
On Friday, November 4, Camp Fire First Texas held its annual An Artists’ Christmas at the Fort Worth Convention Center Ballroom. From 6 p.m. until well after 10 p.m., artists, art lovers, and Camp Fire supporters enjoyed an evening of art, laughter, music, and dancing.
But more than having a fun time, every guest was gathered because they believe in the mission and vision of Camp Fire: To build a community where every child has equitable access to the quality learning opportunities they need to succeed and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
With former Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, along with husband Tom, serving as Honor Chairs, and Erma Lee serving as Event Chair, An Artists’ Christmas 2022 was an unforgettable evening.
Price, a former Blue Bird, Camp Fire Girl, and Camp Fire club leader volunteer for her daughter, described serving as Honor Chair as a “full-circle event.”
“Camp Fire is such a special organization,” she said in her remarks. “Camp Fire is so much more than just camp. It is a wonderful organization that has touched so many of our lives. Truly, Camp Fire builds strong children and strong adolescents.”
Trey & The Tritones perform at An Artists’ Christmas 2022.
Trey & The Tritones kept guests grooving with a selection of live music from classy jazz to rock favorites. During dinner, the award-winning Four Day Weekend served up laughs with an interactive comedy performance. The ultimate Party Wagon (valued at more than $1,800) was awarded to one lucky couple, and others had the opportunity to bid on and win luxury items, amazing trips, and unique artwork by outstanding local artists.
As the name of the event suggests, the artists and their artwork were the stars of the evening. 97 artists supported An Artists’ Christmas this year by donating their work, all of which were juried by a panel of distinguished judges:
- Anitra Blayton, Associate Professor and Visual Artist, Tarrant County College
- Lauren Saba Childs, Co-Founder, Fort Works Art
- Robert Long, Exhibitions Manager, Arts Fort Worth
- Jay Wilkinson, Artist and Owner, DANG GOOD CANDY: studio/gallery
“These four had their work cut out for them with such an amazing collection of art! They met last month to evaluate each submission and to select awards,” Erma Lee, who presented the awards herself, shared. “First and second place awards were given in four categories, and one work was awarded best of show.”
The 2022 winners are:
Best of Show
- Pamela Summers, Crystalline Vessel
3-Dimensional Artwork and Jewelry
- 1st Place: Thomas Diehl, Jewelry Haus No. 2
- 2nd Place: Stormie Parker, John
Photography
- 1st Place: Bob Lukeman, Storm Brewing, Tesuque (Te – SOO – kay) New Mexico
- 2nd Place: Erica Connolly, Stars Under Canvas
Watercolor and Drawings
- 1st Place: Chuck Roach, Red River #6
- 2nd Place: Alison Aldrich, Gus
Paintings: Oil and Acrylic
- 1st Place: Judge Bermes (Berms), In the Waking Dusk
- 2nd Place: Erin Newton, Accept Me, Little Gem Ghosts
Camp Fire First Texas is grateful for the talent and generosity of each artist who participated in An Artists’ Christmas this year. The event would not have been possible without the generous support of dedicated volunteers, sponsors, and committee members. Are you interested in serving on the committee next year? Reach out to Director of Development Tamara Clement ([email protected]) or Vice President of Development Julia Summers ([email protected]).
Camp Fire First Texas would like to thank its committee members and generous sponsors:
Committee
- Betsy and Tom Price, Honor Chairs
- Erma Lee, Event Chair
- Teresa Ayala
- Evalis Chapa
- Maren Gibbs
- Terri Hollander
- Kat Hooper
- Linda Jacobson
- Donna James-Harvey
- Dava Kaitala
- Lisa Mares
- Aileen Milton
- Carley Moore
- Amanda Plotnicki
- Trudy Sanders
- Stephanie Sullivent
- Drenda Witt
- John Witt
Gala Sponsors
- Anne T. and Robert M. Bass
- Drew and Linda Springer
VIP Reception Sponsor
Artists Sponsor
- Vincent Genovese Memorial Foundation
Valet Sponsor
Platinum Table Sponsors
- Anne and Orlando Carvalho
- The Virginia Hobbs Charitable Trust
Gold Table Sponsors
- Ben E. Keith Company
- Carol and James Dunaway
- Erma Lee
- JP Morgan Chase & Co.
- Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP
- Mary Potishman Lard Trust
- Meta Alice Keith Bratten Foundation
- Drenda and John Witt
Star Guests
- Karen and Larry Anfin
- Marsha Clark & Associates
- Lauren and Jeff Hooper
- Anne Lydahl, Marsh McLennan Agency
- Radiology Associates
Tables of 8
- Axcelora
- BSCO
- J. Chapa Strategic Solutions, LLC
- Marie and Brandon Chase
- Hooper, Milton and Sullivent
- Luther King Capital Management
- Carley and Brandon Moore
- Oncor
- Rogers Wealth Group
- Schaefer Advertising Company
- Tarrant County College
- Texas Christian University
Media Sponsors
All proceeds from An Artists’ Christmas benefit the children, youth, and families in North Texas who are supported by Camp Fire First Texas programs.
About Camp Fire First Texas
Camp Fire First Texas invests in North Texas communities by providing out-of-school time and outdoor learning programs for children and youth while also offering workforce development programs for early childhood educators. We envision a community in which every child has equitable access to the learning opportunities they need to succeed and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
