How art helps the homeless in Modesto

Spend a Night at the Museum, buy a piece of art and spread your philanthropy to those who need it the most in Modesto.

The Night at the Museum fundraiser for Modesto Gospel Mission is set for June 16 at the McHenry Museum. Local artists are donating their works to the event, with all proceeds going to the support the ongoing services of the mission – food, shelter, clothing, recovery programs and others.

This will be the third year for the growing event. “The first year was small but a good response,” mission Executive Director Kevin Carroll said in an email. “The second year was huge compared to the first year. Much better attendance and response. We actually sold a lot of art the second year. I feel we are really building momentum for this year.”

The fundraiser was the brainchild of regional artist Dan Petersen of Ripon, who last year said it was important to him that his art be used to benefit others. Petersen, a former teacher at Modesto Junior College, also said he’s a strong supporter of the Gospel Mission and its programs.

There are several artists participating this year, including some new to the event, all donating their paintings or sculpture. Also part of the show and sale are works by some of the people who have benefited from the mission’s programs, Carroll said.

“People who find themselves experiencing homelessness have incredible talents. Those talents can just be hidden by life’s circumstances,” he said. “Many of the pieces are personal works relating to their past.”

Among this year’s featured artists are Henrietta Sparkman, Sandra Gaskell, Louise Bogetti, Wally Carroll, Carolyn Rossman, Ken McBride, Merla Frazey-Jordan and Amie Postma.

The evening will include live music by sisters Antiena Van de Pol and Rachelle Van de Pol on harp. Appetizers and refreshments will be served and the museum’s displays also will be open for viewing. Tickets are $25, available at the Gospel Mission, 1400 Yosemite Ave., Modesto or at www.eventbrite.com.

This story was originally published June 1, 2017 at 10:54 AM with the headline "How art helps the homeless in Modesto."