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On the evening of September 29, The Sanctuary at Red Bell Run in Columbus, which specializes in caring for rescued and special needs equines, held “Sanctuary in Bloom” at the Tryon Fine Arts Center, billed as an evening of art and wine centered around an art auction fundraiser. 

 

Earlier this month, TFAC debuted the Animals of Red Bell Run: Flora and Fauna Exhibit, a collaboration between photographer Monica Stevenson and her artistic partners Preston Wainwright, Thomas Ignatius, Sean Smith, and the Sanctuary. Local support was clearly out in full force for the “Sanctuary in Bloom” event, which was well attended and even brought out best-selling authors Mary Alice Monroe and Delia Owens. 

 

Sanctuary Founder Mary Adams said, “Monica’s done a wonderful job showing off our rescues, and we truly appreciate all of the support from the community and the Tryon Arts Center for hosting the exhibit and the art auction.”

 

There was much to enjoy for the attendees, along with the beautiful photos of the many rescue equines. There were grazing tables by Charcuterthree and tastings of Mountain Brook Vineyard wines that were made using grapes from the Vineyards at Red Bell Run. The evening included silent and live auctions, piano music, and floral stylings by Bodega Noir. All proceeds will support the lifelong care for the Sanctuary’s equines and community outreach programs. 

 

And while the hundred or so rescue equines who are the event’s beneficiaries were not in attendance, they were never out of mind. The live and silent auctions featured numerous exquisite works of art for horse lovers and even a package for donkey lovers made of an old-style pin tail on the donkey game.