Local celebrities to present Tosi’s Art at fundraiser

STEVENSVILLE, Mich. — Discover the history of the artists and the variety of fine art at Tosi’s Restaurant as local celebrities provide lighthearted introductions to the artworks in the restaurant. Celebrity presenters will offer fun and entertaining introductions to the artworks during Fine Art + Fine Food, to be held Oct. 5 from 4 to 8 p.m.

Guests can enjoy Bellini cocktails and be entertained by Renaissance String Quartet in the garden, then stroll inside to enjoy Tosi’s renowned Italian cuisine, a selection of wines by Tabor Hill Winery, and introductions to the works of Iannelli, Madonini, Taiuti and others. Desserts from Bit of Swiss Pastry Shoppe will also be served.

The event is part of Tosi’s 75th anniversary celebration and is also a fundraiser to benefit education and exhibition programming of the Krasl Art Center.

“Tosi’s approached us with the idea to provide patrons with a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn more about the restaurant’s ceramics, murals and paintings in a fun and entertaining atmosphere while raising funds for the Krasl Art Center. What a great way to combine fine Italian art and food, help Tosi’s celebrate a milestone and support our mission to bring people and art together,” said Julia Gourley, KAC executive director.

Guests will be welcomed in the garden by artist and KAC staff member Brittany Stecker, and then proceed indoors to a presentation by Vincent Iannelli of his father, artist Pasquale Iannelli, and the mural of Florence, Italy. Roger Harvey and Rick Ott from Harbor Country Public Arts Initiative will present a Baroque painting after Velasquez.

Fine arts painter Kristin Hosbein will introduce guests to paintings by Madonini, Paul Mow will provide a unique presentation inspired by the opera scenes, and Anna Russo-Sieber will introduce artworks by Silvano Taiuti in the Cypress Room of the restaurant.

Guests will also have the exclusive opportunity to view select works from private collections including sculptures by Taiuti as well as a never before seen artwork of the flag throwing contest prior to the famous Palio horse race in Siena, Italy created by Iannelli for Emil Tosi in 1961.

The cost to attend the fundraiser is $75 per person, $70 of which is a charitable donation. Guests are invited to register online at krasl.org or by calling the Krasl Art Center at (269) 983-0271 by Oct. 1.

 

About Tosi’sRestaurant

Tosi’s Restaurant began in 1938 as a summer resort and became an eating establishment in 1948 under the creative leadership of Emil Tosi. Its current owners took over management of the restaurant in 1996. The restaurant expanded over the years and currently seats 280 guests for an authentic Italian dining experience with each dining room adorned with Italian art and décor. The restaurant has received numerous accolades over the years including recognition by Time Magazine, Wine Spectator, and the 2014 Certificate of Excellence award by tripadvisor.com.

 

About Krasl Art Center

The Krasl Art Center is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. The Krasl Art Center is located in downtown St. Joseph, Michigan overlooking Lake Michigan. The KAC has three public galleries, five studios, a library/lecture room, a black and white wet darkroom, a gift shop, and a permanent collection of 39 works of sculpture. Through its mission to bring people and art together, the KAC offers thoughtful exhibitions, engaging classes and camps, community events such as Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff and the Artisan Market, outreach opportunities, and cultural exploration. The Krasl Art Center is funded in part by the Michigan Council for the Arts & Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Krasl Art Center galleries are open Monday-Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Thursday from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; and Sunday 1-4 p.m. Admission to the Galleries is free of change. For more information, please contact the Krasl Art Center at (269) 983-0271, or visit www.krasl.org.