The legacy of Pierre Claeyssens will be honored for his support of the arts and love of Fiesta on Sunday, August 7th at Fiesta Finale. This event held each year at the Courthouse Sunken Garden, produced by the Profant Foundation For The Arts, features a performance and gala dinner party with dancing to romantic Latin music. Recently Barbie Burgess announced that the Woods Claeyssens Foundation is providing a grant, and CoChairs Nina Terzian and Carol Marsch announced that Four Seasons Biltmore will cater an elegant dinner in the Sunken Garden this year. Nina, owner of a doll manufacturing company, says that a few dolls are being dressed for the occasion by costume designer Arlene Larsen, to be part of the silent auction chaired by Maggie Wordell, and Joyce Shaar, reports that designer Louis Estevez will be one of the judges in the Costume Contest, with prizes sponsored by the El Encanto Hotel. William S. Campbell is collecting input and photos from Pierre's fans, to add to the video tribute. Renown artist James Paul Brown has donated a new painting of dancers in a romantic embrace. The original will be auctioned, and will be printed as labels for a limited number of wine bottles of a Rhone style blend donated by Sunstone for the gala tables.

The Gala, boutique and silent auction benefit local artists, dancers, actors, musicians and writers of all ages through the annual Profant Scholarship Program. The free Finale performance of Paintings that "come to life", features professional entertainment including the State Street Ballet with "Tango Rain", and various musicians and Flamenco dancers. C.J. Ward, and Beth Farnsworth will be interviewing guests in the garden and local business are sponsoring the Family Section - providing special treats for youngsters sitting on the lawn.

The scholarship campaign allows donors to name an award in honor of a loved one. For information call (805) 682-8184 or see www.profant.org

Nina holding painting by James Paul Brown
(photo credit Janey Aufderheide)