SOFA to return to WSHS on March 18

Date: 12/30/2008

By Natasha Clark

Assistant Managing Editor



WEST SPRINGFIELD After the Symphony of Fine Arts (SOFA) proved to be a success last year for the West Springfield Public School system, the event will return in March 2009. Dubbed SOFA II, the event promises an evening of entertainment and unique, original art.

"It was a huge success and it opened people's eyes to the power of the arts," Erin Mountain of the Superintendent's Office said. "We had instant feedback from people who worked on the event last year and when proposed this year, if they would like to do [another] event, a round two, the entire committee that worked with us last year was ready to do it again."

The first SOFA raked in around $3,000 in fundraising. Profits were a combination of patron donations, ticket sales and auction funds. The winning event featured high-quality music, dance performances, photography, painting, jewelry, pottery and many other hand-crafted items. Mountain hopes that more artists will join on to contribute auction items. West Springfield artisans are encouraged to visit the school district's Web site, www.wsps.org, to sign on for the event and donate their fine art to the cause.

"We are looking for anyone who has a desire to contribute to the silent auction that will also help support our vision of building the creative arts in the district," Mountain said.

There will be a reception prior to the show, which will also take place at West Springfield High School. Tickets will be available to purchase food catered by the in-house food service. There will be several items on the menu to choose from. Proceeds from SOFA II will build on the district's creative arts initiative by supporting the purchase of new lighting for the high school's auditorium.

SOFA II will take place on March 18 at West Springfield High School. Anyone interested in becoming a donor for the silent auction can visit www.wsps.org and click on the "SOFA II Save the Date" announcement for details. Auction donations ($50 minimum in value) may include ceramics, fine jewelry, quilts and hangings, paintings, drawings, prints/photography, sculptures and art classes.

For more information on the event, contact Mountain at 263-3290 or send an e-mail to mountain@wsps.org.