Art patrons brought their enthusiasm and their checkbooks last weekend as they came out to support the Brentwood Art Society.

The sixth annual event, held at the home of Bill and Patty Bristow, raised over $14,000 for the Brentwood Union Art Docent Program, a nonprofit organization that provides support for elementary school art programs.

Guests were treated to a buffet dinner courtesy of Brentwood Fine Meats, with wine by Cline Cellars. The Big Band sounds of The Generation Gap provided the evening's musical entertainment. A silent auction featuring the work of Brentwood artists, along with gift baskets donated by local businesses, were on display throughout the evening.

"It's a fun event," said Jan Melloni, president of the Brentwood Art Society. "It's a nice way for people to come and show their support. We have some very generous residents here in Brentwood."

Anna Kelly came to the event as a way to give back to the community. "I just wanted to get involved in some way," said Kelly, who bid on - and won - a trip to Hawaii. "I think if more people get involved in the community, good things will happen."

Emil Geddes, director of the Brentwood Art Society, was the evening's auctioneer, along with some unofficial help from Brentwood Councilman Bob Brockman. "I want to thank you all for coming this evening and for supporting this event," said Geddes as he introduced guests such as Mayor Bob Taylor, former Police Chief Mike Davies and Councilman Chris Becnel.

After dinner, the business of the evening got under way as Geddes auctioned off items including a gourmet dinner hosted by Paul and Jan Melloni and Pete and Rhonda Petrovich at the Bristows' home.

Magnums of wine, a signed painting by local artist Blanch Clark, Giants club-seat tickets and a basket filled with gift certificates and a sampling of Brentwood treats were also part of the live auction.

The Brentwood Art Society was formed a few years ago on the heels of the City of Brentwood Arts Commission, as a way to support the arts commission through membership drives, fundraisers and local events such as the Art for Art Sake Street Exhibit and the Day in the Park & Wine Festival.

Proceeds from fundraisers such as the foundation dinner and auction go to Brentwood's cultural community and supplement the Brentwood and Liberty Union School District art programs.

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