Lux Art Institute will host another memorable evening under the stars with its fifth annual fundraising gala, Lux After Dark, on Saturday, September 26, beginning at 6 p.m. at a private Rancho Santa Fe estate. All event proceeds benefit Lux Art Institute’s programming, including the Lux artists-in-residence and the Valise Project, bringing art into the classroom.

“An amazing new season of artists begins this September, and there’s no better way to kick it off than with Lux After Dark,” said Karen Tanz, gala chair and vice president of Lux’s board of directors. “It will certainly be a fabulous party, but just as importantly, it’s the means by which Lux will continue to offer its enriching programs. It has been an extremely challenging year for the arts, so we hope people will support what Lux does by attending the gala and having an amazing time in the process!”

Elizabeth Turk, Lux’s soon-to-be resident artist, as well as gala honoree San Diego County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price, will join guests at a luxurious private home for festivities that will include cocktails accompanied by a string quartet; a gourmet, al fresco dinner catered by Southern California’s premier “green” caterer, ChileCo; and dancing at the Lux After After Dark party deejayed by San Diego musician Morgan Young.

“We’re thrilled to be honoring Supervisor Pam Slater-Price at this year’s event,” added Lux Director Reesey Shaw “In this economy, she continues to stand behind arts education and the opportunities it offers to the students, children and families of our region.”

The evening also features live and silent auctions with opportunities to bid on one-of-a-kind items, such as exclusive stays at magnificent homes around the globe and the chance to sponsor Lux’s education programs for school-age children.

Tickets are $250 per person, $2,500 for a table of ten, and sponsored tables start at $5,000. Dress is black tie optional, but should be “fabulous and festive” for an open-air celebration.

Sponsorship for Lux After Dark has been generously provided by: Abbey Party Rentals, All City Storage, ChileCo, Luce Forward, MiresBall, and The Frame Maker.

Additional support for the gala is being provided by the Lux Honorary Committee: Bill and Connie Beckman, Linda Brandes, Linda and Wally Dieckmann, Mimi and Anwar Fekini, Marla and Gordon Gerson, Judith and Ron Judy, Andy Kohlberg, Reesey and David Shaw, Kathleen and Jim Stiven, Karent and Stuart Tanz, Joanne and Frank Warren and Ann Hunter-Welborn and David Welborn.

To purchase tickets, inquire about sponsorship opportunities or for further details, please contact the Lux office at 760-436-6611, or e-mail Lux Director of Development Paige Rogowski at progowski@luxartinstitute.org.