ARTcetera 2002 was held on Friday, September 27, in the Harbor Side Ballroom of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. Maria VanBrunt and Bob Heimbach, co-chairs of ARTcetera 2002, steered an experienced committee of veteran volunteers to create the most ambitious ARTcetera to date. Jeffrey T. Larson and his son Brock consented to act at the signature artists for the event. Brock created an original pen-and-ink drawing of St. George and the Dragon, representing the medical community’s battle against cancer, while Jeffrey donated his oil painting “Working the Soil,” which graced the invitation and the cover of the catalog. The silent auction was expanded, generating an atmosphere of lively but friendly competition during the social hour and dinner. The event was attended by 230 people who enjoyed a delightful gourmet dinner that featured chef-carved, herb-encrusted, stuffed leg of lamb; pan-seared breast of duck with citrus demiglaze; and chef-sautéed pheasant ravioli. Auctioneer Karen Lee Sorbo returned from the Twin Cities area to auction off 59 items which included both art pieces by the signature artists, a six-place set of hand-incised porcelain tableware, a spring trip to bear dens to participate in research with the DNR and carefully selected collections of wines chosen and autographed by community leaders. The goal of $120,000 was surpassed as ARTcetera 2002 raised $133,000.

The proceeds of ARTcetera 2002 were used to provide an array of services involved in comprehensive cancer care. Comprehensive cancer care includes the “high-tech” of advanced technology, as well as the “high-touch” patient services that make the difficult journey easier. These services help patients physically, but also provide a continuum of care that assists patients in understanding their disease, navigating the treatment process and dealing with complex emotional, physical and spiritual issues. By providing comprehensive cancer care to the region, we bring new hope of improved health and well-being for our family, friends and community members who face a personal battle with cancer.

Highlights of the evening included a moving presentation by SMDC’s Dr. Robert Niedringhaus and local actress Ellie Martin depicting the emotional struggle that patients and their families go through when faced with a diagnosis of cancer. The “wildest” moment of the 2002 ARTcetera was a visit to the auction by an adult black bear—this was to promote the auction of an opportunity to assist with bear cubs during the DNR’s Wildlife Research team’s spring trip.

To purchase tickets and reserve your place for ARTcetera 2004, please call (218) 786-2864 or REGISTER ONLINE. For more information, e-mail ghebenstreit@mdfoundation.org.