‘Bal Masqué’ Gala to Support Arts/Access Outreach Programs

The UMass Amherst Fine Arts Center (FAC) presents “Bal Masqué, A Return to Elegance,” its 30th annual gala, auction and season preview, on Saturday, Feb. 2 from 6-11:30 p.m. in the Campus Center Auditorium.

Held annually since 1989, the gala is a fundraiser for the Fine Arts Center’s Arts/Access outreach programs, which provide free “angel tickets” to local human service agencies and daytime Global Arts performances for school-aged children, as well as support for Jazz in July scholarships, special exhibitions, artist residencies and more. 

This year, guests are invited to dine and dance in their finest evening attire or festive best, with or without a mask. The evening starts with cocktails, raw bar, hors d’oeuvres, red carpet photos by dani.fine photography and an “early bird” silent auction.

At 8 p.m. guests will sit down for a three-course dinner prepared by the award-winning chefs of presenting sponsor UMass Catering. As dinner wraps up, the FAC’s programming team will tease season highlights before launching into an entertaining live auction filled with treasures from local artists and businesses.

 The rest of the evening is filled with dancing to music by DJ Caleb Wetmore.

Gala tickets are $125 per person. Sponsorships are available starting at $600, call 413/545-4253 for information. The event sold out last year so buying tickets early is encouraged. For tickets, call the box office at 413/545-2511 or toll-free at 800/999-UMAS, or purchase them online at fineartscenter.com/gala.

The auctions include a wide array of items, including fine art, original creations, getaways, themed baskets and more.

Auction highlights include:

  • Tom Friedman’s “Mother and Child” 2016 inkjet print (1 of 6), and a studio visit and tour with Friedman
  • Nantucket Food and Wine Festival VIP package for two including Thursday night’s gala
  • “Hamilton” on Broadway: Two tickets to the Saturday, Sept. 21 matinee
  • Rob Gronkowski autographed NFL game jersey
  • Two tickets to sold-out Joan Baez “Fare Thee Well Tour, 2019,” with deluxe overnight accommodations and champagne welcome at The Hotel Northampton and dinner at Eastside Grill

To stay updated on who’s attending and what’s up for bid, join the UMass Fine Arts Center Gala Event on Facebook.

Attendees will receive free parking in the Campus Center Garage and are eligible for a discounted rate of $119 to stay overnight at Hotel UMass on campus. Book online at hotelumass.com or call 877/822-2110 by Jan. 12 and use code: FAC19C.