Mark your calendars now to join us for a trip Through the Looking Glass as we celebrate the Father Ryan Arts Center's third anniversary on Saturday, October 15.

THANK YOU 2011 SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS!

Experience live performances, art exhibits, live and silent auctions, Mad Hatter photo booth, whimsical games, and costume contest - guests are encouraged to dress in costumes inspired by Lewis Carroll's beloved classics "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" & "Through the Looking Glass."

When Focus on Renewal launched the Father Ryan Arts Center three years ago, it opened the world of the arts to hundreds of children, youth, and adults who had little experience in performing or in creating art. Today, hundreds of people from across the community have learned painting, drawing, and sculpture, and are part of live performances and art exhibits. They also are enthusiastic audience members for shows featuring burgeoning and professional artists.

The Father Ryan Arts Center is a treasure that has enriched the lives of people from Sto-Rox to neighborhoods across the region. To support the Father Ryan Arts Center and celebrate its third year anniversary, we are transforming it into Wonderland on October 15.  This fund raising event will include live performances, art exhibits, auctions, a costume contest, as well as a variety of dishes and libations.

We are pleased to present this year's Roxy Award, which is our way of celebrating a person of distinction, to Ms. Elvira Peake whose work to strengthen cultural and artistic principles has had a profound impact on the Pittsburgh region. In keeping with our "Through the Looking Glass" spirit, the Roxy Award was hand-crafted by artist and arts educator Lu Ann Prill to symbolize the visionary spirit of the recipient and to embody her advocacy, support, leadership and creativity in influencing the arts among communities, families and individuals. Ms. Peake was chosen this year because of her life-long dedication in the ceramic arts and for being the catalyst and inspiration behind numerous emerging ceramicists.

About our 2011 Roxy Award Honoree: Ms. Elvira Peake

Elvira retired on December 11, 2010 although the gallery will continue to operate under Standard Ceramic Supply Company's ownership and Ms. Peake will stay on as Director Emeritus. In addition to running the gallery over the years, Elvira is also an incredibly talented artist who has been the recipient of numerous awards for her work. Among those awards, Elvira was the recipient of The Carnegie Museum of Art Purchase Award in November 2007 for her piece in the 97th Annual Associated Artists of Pittsburgh Exhibition. She also received the NCECA Regional Award of Excellence at the 2008 National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts.

During her educational career, Elvira earned a Bachelor's degree from Carnegie Melon University in 1951. She is a member of the Society of Sculptors. Throughout her career, Elvira has been a tireless supporter and active member of the art community, exhibiting local artists and regularly attending exhibition openings and programs in other art venues. For her dedication, she was presented with the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts - Guild Council Service to the Arts Award in 2000.

We would also like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank all of our sponsors, artists, supporters, and volunteers for their commitment and encouragement. We couldn't do it without you.

If you are interested in making a contribution that will directly benefit the wonderful arts and educational programs at the Father Ryan Arts Center by sponsoring this event, please call 412.771.3052 or e-mail arts@forstorox.org.