Malta League of Arts is a new non-profit organization formed last year, which seeks to embrace and encourage artistic and cultural development in the Malta community. As the MLA approaches its one-year anniversary, it will hold a fundraiser at the Round Lake Auditorium on Thursday, Aug. 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. with a theme of jazz and art.
`We’re reaching out in a community that’s developing rapidly, professionally and business wise. We saw and felt a need to reach out and encompass the artistic and cultural opportunities, along with business and professional opportunities that are being presented,` said Cassandra Dooley, vice president of MLA and director of the Bass Manor Museum. `We are striving to provide the community with the foundation to develop and grow intellectually, culturally and artistically.`
According to information from MLA, Malta has had a unique artistic and cultural footprint since 1997 with the Bass Manor Art Museum, which is located on a 14-acre historic estate in the heart of Malta, and has been owned by the Bass family since 1927. The Bass Manor Museum maintains a permanent collection by abstract artist, Truman Egleston, with a gallery that features painting, photography, sculpture and furniture design.
The MLA was developed by Malta Councilwoman Tara Thomas, who said in a statement she saw the scope of the Malta community’s growth and felt there was a need to `reach out and nurture` the artistic and cultural development in the area. Thomas is president of the MLA. The non-profit is funded by membership, which is $15 for a year, but it needs more funds to file paperwork and continue to provide what its mission says it will. There are about 100 MLA members, so far.
The fundraiser, `Art Attitudes,` will feature an exhibit called by artist Frankie Flores and his New Orleans jazz series. Flores began his artistic career in New Orleans, becoming a favorite New Orleans artist after working with the Mardi Gras celebration and it’s Jazz Festival. His style uses bold, dynamic and vibrant color in jazz images. Flores had an art gallery in the Beekman Arts District and currently has a new gallery on Broadway in Saratoga Springs.
Also highlighted will be the works of local and regional artists in all mediums and music will be provided by the Saratoga Jazz Group, Almost Uncommon, which features tenor sax player Kyle Jewell, bass player Colin Sullivan, drummer Matt Niedbalski and pianist Matt Moellman. The group has played Sunday Brunch at Virgil’s House, Final Stretch and One Caroline Bistro.
Cake designer Leah Stewart will create a cake for the event and food will be provided by Lake Ridge Restaurant and the Olde Polish Deli and the Malta League of Arts.
The opening reception is Aug. 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. and is $20 at the door and $15 in advance. `Art Attitudes` will continue to be displayed on Aug. 6 and 7 for free, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and 2 to 6 p.m., respectively.
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