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Celebrating spring with MAC
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Photo supplied A Celebration of Art is the theme for the Monroe Arts Centers A Taste of Spring fundraising event from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, May 4, at the Ludlow Mansion in Monroe. A five-course served dinner, a live art auction, silent auction and live music are planned for this event. After May Rains, an oil painting (above) by Wisconsin artist Jonathan Wilde, is one of 10 pieces of artwork selected for the live auction. For information or reservations, call the Monroe Arts Center at 325-5700.
MONROE - The Monroe Arts Center will provide a taste of spring to raise funds next week.

MAC's annual fundraiser, "A Taste of Spring - A Celebration of Art," will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, May 4, at the Ludlow Mansion in Monroe. It will combine an exquisite cuisine, award-winning wines and brews, and savory Wisconsin cheeses, with a live auction focusing on various art media.

The public is invited, and will be treated to a five-course served dinner showcasing the culinary talents of five area chefs and their restaurants. Coordinated by Chef Hans Lenzlinger of the New Glarus Hotel Restaurant, the menu for the evening includes a smoked Norwegian salmon with tuna avocado tartar appetizer prepared by Chef Peter of Deininger's in New Glarus; spring green salad with raspberries and mandarin oranges by Chef Eric Rufer of Peppercorn Banquets; champagne sorbet palate refresher by Mike Nevil of Chalet Landhaus Restaurant; lobster-stuffed beef tenderloin with Béarnaise sauce, mashed potatoes flavored with aged cheddar and English horseradish, and a bouquet of lightly herbed spring vegetables created by Lenzlinger; and a delectable chocolate and almond Florentine dessert by Angela Anderson of New Glarus Bakery.

During the evening's event, a diverse selection of items for the silent auction will be on display and available for bidding. The live auction, conducted by guest auctioneer Hans Bernet of Monroe, will include two-dimensional limited edition prints and original watercolor, acrylic, and oil paintings, and photographic prints, provided by 10 award-winning Wisconsin and Illinois artists. Artists participating in the live art auction are J. Eric Anderson, Stockton; Beki Borman, Cudahy; C.K. Chang, Madison; Stephanie Elkins, New Glarus; Connie Glowacki, Janesville; John F. McGee, Sun Prairie; Dave Miess, Oregon; Suzanne Miller, Monroe; Jack Sery, Monroe; and Jonathan Wilde, Belleville.

A preview of the live auction artwork can be viewed in the Monroe Arts Center Frehner Gallery now through April 30. In addition to the artwork, the always popular and one-of-a-kind dinner packages also will be a part of the live auction. Live music provided by Madison musician Richard Wiegel, round out this "celebration of art."

The cost to attend is $75 per individual or $400 for a table of eight. For reservations, contact the Monroe Arts Center at (608) 325-5700. Reservation deadline is Thursday, April 30. Additional information for this and other Monroe Arts Center events can be found online at www.monroeartscenter.com.