DATE: Thursday, October 9, 1997             TAG: 9710070136

SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS         PAGE: 02   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: ON THE TOWN 

SOURCE: Sam Martinette 

                                            LENGTH:   74 lines

PUT ON THE GLITTER AND HEAD TO THE ``AUCTION OF THE STARS''

Ever wanted to star in an art happening? Well your chance is near. Slip into a ``heavenly bodysuit'' - that's the suggested mode of dress (for ladies, I presume) - and head on down on Friday, Oct. 17, to the d'Art Center on College Place for their big, annual fund-raiser and auction.

``The Auction of the Stars'' will take place that evening, featuring works by some of the area's most illustrious artists, according to d'Art's executive director, Susan Bernard.

``Local luminaries Jane Gardner and Becky Livas will be mistresses of ceremony, and we'll have over 100 pieces of art of all styles and medium for sale during the live auction conducted by Billy Summs.''

The auction starts at 8 p.m., but it will be preceded by a 6 p.m. reception featuring a cash bar, with complimentary hors d'oeuvres from Bistro, Bobbywood, Dail's, Dumbwaiter, Freemason Abbey, La Galleria, Tandom's Madison Grill and Renaissance.

During the reception patrons are encouraged to bid on items offered in a silent auction, and d'Art members have prepared a ``menu'' or offering of art they have designated as ``Blue Dot Specials,'' with each work priced at $80, a sort of blue plate special.

New this year is the chance to purchase dinner aboard Norfolk Southern Railroad's classic dining and observation car.

``Norfolk Southern has made available their lovely dining car, which I believe dates from 1949, for a special dinner in May of 1998,'' Bernard explained. ``The dinner sells for a flat rate of $60 per person and includes wine and all the amenities and elegance of a bygone era. It adds a little different twist to the evening.''

The proceeds from the auction at the d'Art Center are to be used to fund continuing programs, Bernard said.

``Last year we raised $20,000 and it went right into programs for the current year at d'Art Center, and this year's auction will feature the d'Art artists and some wonderful regional artists, as well.''

As for those heavenly bodysuits, Bernard assured me that I wouldn't have to wear one.

``People can dress as they wish,'' she said. ``The glitterier, the better.''

Tickets for the d'Art Center's Auction of the Stars are $15 in advance and $18 at the door, with free parking available across the street, in Boush Street Lot No. 20. For information on tickets, call the d'Art Center, 125 College Place, 625-4211.

The next day, Oct. 18, the annual Stockley Gardens Arts Festival begins. This is the 13th year that the weekend-long festival will benefit Hope House Foundation, which provides housing, medical assistance, education, and other living necessities for people with developmental disabilities.

Along with the fine arts of some 135 artists, and two days of music from acoustic, folk and classical performers, there will be food as well, including Angela's Festival Foods, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, EaDA's (sic) Slavic Food, European Foods, Hawaiian Sno, Mr. Potatoe, My Dad's, No Frill Grill, Nuts-N-Such, Ocean Gourmet, Purely American and Tea-Rific.

Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 18, and noon to 5 p.m. on Oct. 19. For information, call 625-6161.

While on the subject of Hope House, the annual Naro Theatre event, featuring live cutting edge entertainment, is set for Wednesday, Oct. 22. ``Hopestock 1997'' will feature singer Dar Williams, described by Spin Magazine as having ``the soul of a poet and the heart of a kid, with a voice part Natalie Merchant and part Sarah MacLachlan.''

Opening for Williams is Vinny Peculiar, an acoustic singer/song-writer from England who has an album coming out in the U.S. this fall. Tickets for the event, at $12 for general admission (in advance), and $25 for preferred seating, are available at several locations. Call 625-6161 for information, or 625-7493 to charge by credit card. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by SAM MARTINETTE

Ray Hershberger, whose studio is in the d'Art Center, will offer his

artwork in the fund-raising auction Oct. 17.

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