BOHRdeaux fundraiser brings wine, food and art together at Beau in Biloxi

Wines and foods with international influence, plus music, original art and dream destinations -- it's all part of BOHRdeaux, the premier fundraiser for the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art, on Wednesday.

BOHRdeaux is the museum's main fundraiser, Executive Director Kevin O'Brien said. The 14th annual gala will be poolside at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, with doors opening at 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $75 each, individual reserved tickets are $100 and reserved tables for 10 are $1,000. For those with VIP tables -- private cabanas ($1,500) or poolside gazebos ($2,500) -- early entry at 6 p.m. includes a special gift, a wine tasting and a preview of the silent auction.

A world of tastes

A sampling of worldwide wine selections provided by regional vintners is on tap for the evening, as well as heavy hors d'oeuvres from various regions and countries, event chairman Sally Joachim said.

Organizers described it as a "celebration of culture and craftsmanship of fine art."

For BOHRdeaux, organizers have worked with regional artists to acquire works for the silent auction. But the Ohr fundraiser has personalized the approach.

Art and artist appreciation

"We're going to spotlight more attention to the artists themselves than in the past," O'Brien said. "We want to show we really appreciate the artists, so each artist gets 25 percent of the winning bid, plus a ticket to the event. We wanted to recognize the artists. They are constantly asked to give away, so we wanted to give back to them in some way."

With artists at the event, those attending "will be able to put a face to the art," Joachim said. "It's an opportunity not only to buy a piece but speak with the artist and learn the backstory on the piece."

"It's a way to make it personable," O'Brien added. "We're basically inviting people into the studio."

One of the five trips offered in the silent auction is three days in New York, with a Broadway emphasis. The winner will get to choose an actor from one of the plays attended during the trip as a dinner companion and attend that play's after party. Other trips include a safari, and golfing in Ireland.

For more information on the gala, including ticket availability, contact the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art at 374-5547.

This story was originally published March 10, 2016 at 8:04 PM with the headline "BOHRdeaux fundraiser brings wine, food and art together at Beau in Biloxi ."