Upcoming Fundraiser to Showcase Local Art and Benefit Children’s Causes

Writer / Renee Larr
Photographer / Daren Short

Esther Lakes retired last year but felt compelled to do something worthwhile with her time. She and her husband O’Dell are theSpotlight on Art former owners of Smith’s Jewelers in downtown Noblesville. Lakes had been considering planning and organizing an art event to benefit the Hamilton County community. With a gentle nudge from friends, she decided the time was right and got busy creating Spotlight on Art.

“I attended an event when I was in Atlanta that inspired me,” Lakes says. “It was a large fundraising event showcasing local art and artists. Afterward, I thought it would be a wonderful way to raise money in Hamilton County for various organizations.”

Spotlight on Art benefits children through Prevail, the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville, and the Children’s TherAplay Foundation. The open-house-style event is presented by Smith’s Jewelers, and will take place on November 10 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Lakes utilized her connections to find participating artists in various mediums including painting, textile, jewelry, woodworking and children’s artwork.

“My friend is an artist and she reached out to other artists in central Indiana,” Lakes says. “They were all happy to participate. They’re all award-winning, juried artists. Guests will have the opportunity to peruse and purchase artwork to benefit local children in the beautiful Hotel Carmichael setting.”

Individual tickets are $50 and include entry to the event, wine, champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Lakes says the funds from the event will go directly to children’s programs at each of the three organizations. There will also be a booth of artwork created by children attending three different elementary schools in Hamilton County.

Spotlight on Art“I know it sounds clichéd to say, but children are the future and we need to invest in them,” Lakes says. “It’s imperative to me to help those who face challenges in their young lives. I’ve been talking about doing this for the last three years. My friends finally told me just to do it. They’ve been a wonderful help in planning too.”

Lakes says Hotel Carmichael exudes elegance and ambiance. She says it was an easy decision to hold her premier philanthropy event at the beautiful new hotel. She says she’s not talented in art in any way, but does appreciate the art world. She says Carmel has a well-planned focus on art.

“It’s taken a large committee of wonderfully talented people and a year of planning to pull off,” Lakes says. “I know it’s going to be a spectacular event and I’d love to expand it in the future.”

She says with a bit of support from many people, helping to enrich the lives of a diverse groups of kids, it’s possible to make many dreams come true. She hopes other Hamilton County residents share her vision.

Artists include Beth Forst, Randall Scott Harden, Rena Brouwer, Deonna Craig, Steve Haight, Gabriel Lehman, Pam Newell, J. Rodney Reveal, Beth Clary Schwier, April Willy, Sylvia Gray, Kathy Saucier, Jill Duzan, Mark Lisota and Gino Johnson.

Lakes serves as chairman and founder of Spotlight on Art. She is also on several boards, all of which focus on supporting children,Spotlight on Art whether they suffer from sexual and domestic violence or a disability, or simply need homework help and a hot meal.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit wedoauctions.com/bidapp/index.php?slug=spotlightonart.

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