Arts in the Parlor Raises Wesley Scholarship Funds

The Wesley College Board of Trustees with Wesley President William N. Johnston and his wife Susan hosted an elegant evening affair on Saturday, April 10 to raise funds for Wesley College scholarships and pay tribute to departed friend and long-time trustee Dr. Joseph S. Bellmeyer. Over 80 guests including community leaders, alumni and friends of the College, enjoyed the first ever “Arts in the Parlor” at the president’s beautiful historic home, the Annie Jump Cannon House.

Attendees enjoyed a unique event highlighted by extraordinary performances and displays from talented musicians and visual artists from the College and the surrounding community. Harpist and faculty member Michael Nielson played beautiful music as guests first arrived, and a captivating monologue was delivered by Jeff Mask, professor of religion, philosophy and American studies. During the course of the evening, musicians performed in different rooms throughout the house. Pieces included piano selections by Jonathan Emmons, instructor of music, director of choirs and College organist, and several stirring guitar duets by Associate Professor of Music David Laganella and talented Wesley students Nick Hancock and Mike Sandy. Two soloists, staff member Amy Kellen ’08 and freshman Wesley Dessesow, and a quartet of Emmons, Kellen, Dessesow and Advancement staff member Jennifer Telles ’09 entertained guests with enchanting vocal performances.

Throughout the Cannon House, visual art was exhibited by Debra Stelling, a noted Delaware Valley artist. Photographer and Wesley instructor Joseph Mullan shared his talents through the display of three black and white photographs, and Connie Imboden exhibited her unique photography. And to the delight of everyone, Susan Johnston presented several of her original watercolors throughout her home.

“Arts in the Parlor” also provided a creative dining experience. The menu featured delicious tapas, common to Spanish cuisine, which Chef Pete Buoncristiano was on hand to describe. The serving of tapas allowed everyone to eat, mingle and enjoy the artists throughout the house at the same time. Ann Horsey served as the “wine artist,” informing guests about the various wines offered with dinner. The food was generously donated by Aramark Corporation, who provides food services for Wesley College.

During the evening’s program, Dr. and Mrs. Johnston and Board of Trustee Chair Charles “Chip” Dashiell, Jr. each thanked attendees for their friendship and collaborations with the College. They shared that “Arts in the Parlor” was designed as a special occasion to bring individuals closer to Wesley and embrace community involvement, while also celebrating the arts. Bill Strickland, trustee and president of the Wesley Society, eloquently expressed why Wesley, with its prominent social and economic presence in the area and mission in educating tomorrow’s leaders, is so deserving of support. He asked guests to consider joining the newly formed Wesley Society, which recognizes individuals and organizations committed as partners with Wesley through financial gifts of $1,000 or more annually. There are currently 106 charter members of the Wesley Society.

Due to the combined generosity of Aramark and several other businesses and individuals, 100% of the proceeds have provided needed scholarship funds, and each guest’s ticket price was fully tax-deductible. Given the success of this year’s “Arts in the Parlor,” there are plans to continue this as an annual fundraising function, to increase support for students attending Wesley College and showcase the artistic talent within the College community and beyond.