Festival of the Arts

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

BHYC has a unique amount of talented artists ranging through every generation. Every few years, BHYC invites these amazing artists to show off their work at a 100% member run festival. The Festival of the Arts runs for three days and members take their turns volunteering, setting up the room, checking guests in and keeping watch over the art.

The different mediums include paintings, models, ceramics, baskets and so many more options. Even quilts! The whole room transforms into a beautiful gallery. This festival brings together all demographics of membership. This year featured everyone from avid sailors and hard-core racers, to tennis tournament players and bridge players. When the gallery is open, no matter the sport, you’re an artist.

There is more tradition to this event than shown in the gallery. During this three day event, the arts weren’t lost on the food. While the culinary team is always trying to remain on top of their game visually with their creations, they took a few extra liberties with presentations during this event. Before the opening day, hundreds of members gather on the porch for a cocktail hour to kick off the event and take the first peeks at the art. The night features hors d'oeuvres and a special menu with the Festival of the Arts logo. Once the members made their way to the Ballroom to see the gallery, they were handed a booklet that described the pieces with their owners. These booklets were designed and printed in-house. Another truly special piece of the festival are the children that participate in it. Children of all ages spent their summers preparing their finest work to be on show at the festival. From drawings and paintings to photography, BHYC and the FOA Committee prides themselves in their multi-generational involvement.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

“For a yacht club, The Festival of the Arts was surprisingly the brainchild of none other than a former Commodore! Competing with busy tennis and sailing agendas, this event was a brilliant success from the outset. The Festival presents an event for members of all ages and all levels of expertise to come together through their art.” FROM MEMBER

Members enjoy this change of pace event during the busy summer of sailing and tennis. It's a really good event to show off your talents and connect with like artists.