Art 'blooms' at Sycamore Ranch

Sycamore Ranch’s Golf Club of California was the setting for the elegant Art in Bloom event “A Fallbrook Fantasy” hosted by Rally for Children and chaired by Chris Young. A fire blazed in the fireplace cube located in the center of the mission-inspired building while approximately 150 people viewed and purchased various works of art.

The funds raised through the October 22 event will be directed toward the annual Arts in the Park for children, which is held in April. “There is no charge for it — it’s a gift to the community,” said Barbara Henry, president of Rally for Children. Funds are also donated to other organizations that benefit the youth of Fallbrook and Bonsall. Rally for Children has been in existence since 1993 and has raised approximately $170,000 over the span of twelve years. The organization was developed to promote the arts, including drama, dance and crafts. “We are dedicated to helping all youth, not just underprivileged youth,” Henry explained.

This unique event featured a juried show of 25 outstanding art pieces, which were interpreted by as many floral designers. Various works of art, including whimsical papier-mché sculptures by former Disney Imagineer Rolly Crump were donated for a silent auction.

Ineka Michels created two soulful Bas-reliefs for the event; one was stained and the other was left natural. The pieces took about four days to complete and were inspired by a photograph of the artist and her grandmother.

Guests listened to strains of classical guitar music by David McMaster while sampling a light “Dinner by the Bite” with highlights of beef sauté, coconut-coated shrimp and chocolate-dipped strawberries. The Fallbrook High jazz dancers entertained and guests crowded around a table where Margaret Ann Ashton demonstrated the art of floral design.

Mary Perhacs, director of the Fallbrook Art and Cultural Center, was pleased with the turnout. “This is an impassioned community,” she said. “It is wonderful how people support our causes, whatever they are.”