Manhattan Arts Center prepares for ARTini 2025 on Oct. 3
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan Arts Center will host its annual ARTini fundraiser Oct. 3, featuring local artists and bartenders collaborating on unique cocktail and art pairings in support of the organization's educational programs.
The event, scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Union Hall at 328 Poyntz Ave., combines live and silent auctions with an evening of food, drinks and community celebration. Tickets are $86.34 and proceeds benefit the center's arts education initiatives.
Local bartenders and local artists will collaborate on art and specialty drink pairings, and then compete to the Event Favorite "ARTini" - Manhattan Arts Center, according to the center's website. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails will be available.
The fundraiser showcases several featured artists whose work will be displayed at the event:
Donna Keeler Rose has pursued art throughout her life, beginning with private lessons in childhood and continuing through her studies at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. After establishing a career as a legal assistant, Rose moved to Manhattan in 2000 where her passion for creating art was rekindled.
Devi Wilbur is an award-winning Kansas-based artist known for diverse styles and media, particularly impressionism and realism. Her work includes the Dustbowl Doodler and Sunflower State Scribbler series, and she is the artist behind the Kansas Kattle series. Starting as a commercial artist, Wilbur now specializes in pen and ink work and produces both 2D and 3D pieces including ceramics and sculptures. Her portfolio includes more than 400 original pieces held in private collections both domestically and internationally.
Daphne McNelly is a self-taught watercolor artist based in Manhattan who creates vibrant, playful works inspired by nature, color and unexpected elements. Her paintings often feature florals and butterflies as symbols of growth, resilience and transformation. McNelly embraces the unpredictable nature of watercolor, finding joy in happy accidents and playful experimentation.
The Manhattan Arts Center, established in 1996 through the merger of three local arts organizations, serves as the community's hub for visual and performing arts. The organization stages 3 musicals and 2 plays each year starring local talent and hosts the BirdHouse Fine Acoustic Music Series MANHATTAN ARTS CENTER - Updated August 2025 - 1520 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, Kansas - Performing Arts - Phone Number - Yelp that brings performers from around the world to Manhattan.
Beyond ARTini, the center has additional programming planned for fall, including "Cosmos: A Contemporary Dance Show" scheduled for Oct. 24-26. The production will feature dances inspired by cosmic phenomena including stars, galaxies, comets, planets and nebulas.
The center's galleries are free and open Monday through Friday from noon to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. The organization offers classes and lessons in art, clay, drama and music for ages pre-kindergarten through adult.
For ticket information and event details, contact the Manhattan Arts Center at (785) 537-4420 or visit manhattanarts.org.