Castellani Art Museum gala: 'Dinner with Dali' an evening of surreal fun in support of art education

The Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University will host its 11th annual gala on Saturday, Oct. 19. Mrs. and Mrs. T. Christopher Castellani are honorary chairs for "Dinner with Dali," the museum's major fundraiser. Proceeds benefit art education programs at the CAM, including "kids 'n art" summer camp, "Art Express" family workshops, school tours, community programs and more.

The name Salvador Dali conjures up visions of melting clocks and odd, dream-like landscapes. When one says something is "surreal," Dali, the inventor of surrealism, often comes to mind. The 2013 gala theme is from "Les Diners de Gala," a portfolio of Dali's weird and wonderful food images created to illustrate his 1973 cookbook.

During the surreal cocktail hour, celebrity bartender Tim Mezhir of Wine on Third will mix up special Dali-themed "Casanova cocktails." A silent auction featuring original artwork, wine, hotel and dining packages and more, will be followed by a sit-down dinner.

The museum has announce Brandy Scrufari will serve as emcee and auctioneer. This year's live auction will include: America's Cup Yacht "Stars & Stripes"; a Marriott Hotel four-night stay with airfare for two; New Orleans jazz and dining experience; and a Bloomingdale's San Francisco $1,000 shopping spree with personal stylist, among other prizes. Chris Castellani has donated a bottle of fine wine valued at $500 from Supermarket Liquors and Wines, which will be featured in the live auction, as well.

Ellen Joseph is chair of the 2013 gala committee. Décor is by Rose Gellman. Other committee members include Ellen Augello, Bob Bloom, Nancy Southwood Burns, Carla Castellani, Trudi Christman, Ann Marie DiMino-Hepfer, Susan Geissler, Candy Lytle, Genevieve Montante, Melissa Morinello, Fay Northrop and Sophia Smith.

Tickets for "Dinner with Dali" are $150 per person/$175 patron. Seating is limited and reservations must be received by Friday, Oct. 11, 2013. For more information, contact gala coordinator Susan Clements at 716-286-8201.