By Evelyn Cairns
A 14-foot-tall “Tree of Life” with 2,000 hand-cut leaves; a replica of an ark; and costumed performers wearing papier-mâché animal heads will beckon guests to the Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center’s “Garden of Eden” charity gala June 9 at the Taylor Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.
The gala will begin at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails and “Jazz on the Patio,” featuring vocalist Jennifer Cervaso.
A strolling dinner catered by The Rhapsody, an open bar and silent and live auctions will follow. In keeping with the Garden of Eden theme, hand-blown commemorative glass apples, one containing a 1 carat diamond, will be available for $100 each.
Entertainment will be presented by DYPAC members, and Larry Lee and Back in the Day will provide music for dancing. In addition, a special appearance is planned by the African Drumming Troupe.
Honorary chairs of the event are Jill Nestman and Mayor Kyle Stack of Trenton; John and Nancy Colina and Karen Wilson Smithbauer of Grosse Ile; Catherine Teifer and Corky Hancock of Rockwood; and Larry and Sarah Wright of Romulus.
Honorary co-chairs are Dr. Noel and Debbie Jackson and Mishell Schutt of Trenton.
They are being assisted by a committee of more than 50 other Downriver residents.
Tickets, $100, are available by calling Debbie Jackson at 734-671-2202 or going to www.DYPAC.com.
Proceeds are earmarked for upgrading the lighting and sound systems at the Trenton Village Thea-tre, DYPAC’s performance home, “to allow this gem to become a quality venue in all aspects,” Jackson said.
Elegant cocktail attire is suggested, and the event will take place rain or shine, she said, adding that there will be no refunds in the event of inclement weather.
The grounds of the Taylor Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are located at 22314 North Line.
Camp sessions are announced
Registrations are being accepted by the Downriver Council for the Arts for a variety of summer art camps for children aged 6 to 12.
The camps will begin the week of June 25 and continue through August.
Among the offerings are “Fine Art Sampler” (drawing, painting and pottery), “Drawing and Painting” (techniques in drawing and painting); “Slimy Arts & Science” (messy projects using slime, gak and goop) and “Earth Camp” (utilizing recycled materials and natural supplies).
Other classes are “Performing Arts” (theatre techniques); “Guitar” (for the budding guitarist); and “Cartooning and Animation (creation of story boards and comic strips).
Supervised lunch also will be available. For detailed information, call the DCA office at 734-720-0671, e-mail [email protected] or go to the DCA office in the Wyandotte Arts Center, 81 Chestnut.
Buffet lunch is scheduled
The cuisines of Hungary, Poland Russia, Germany and Romania will be featured at a “Travel to Europe” meal planned as part of Henry Ford Commu-nity College’s 2012 series of International Buffet Lunches.
Seating will be from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in the Fifty-One O One Restaurant on the Greenfield Road Campus. The cost is $14 per person, and reservations are requested. They are being accepted at 313-206-5101.
Grand Prix party slated
A “Grand Prixmiere” party Friday at the Winter-garden in the GM Global Renaissance Center will celebrate the return of the Grand Prix to Belle Isle from Friday through Sunday.
The party will begin at 6 p.m. with a VIP reception, followed by a general reception and a gourmet dinner and program. ESPN/ABC-TV reporter Jamie Little will moderate a question session with several top drivers who will compete in the race.
Guests will test their racing skills at a racing-themed afterglow in the GM Showroom.
For tickets, $250 and $500, and additional information, call 248-336-8360 or go to www.belleisleconservancy.org.
The event will be the Belle Isle Conservancy’s first fund-raiser.