Phantasy of the Arts, a gala showcasing regionally and nationally acclaimed visual, performing and culinary arts, will take place at the Fairhope Civic Center on Saturday, November 4 from 5:30 p.m. to midnight.   This third annual event is presented by the Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation (FEEF) to benefit a 250-seat theater and arts complex at Fairhope High School.  “Faces of the Arts” is the theme this year.

“We’re pleased to bring more exceptional performers to Fairhope for our third annual Phantasy of the Arts,” said Pam Turner, chairman of Phantasy of the Arts.  Performing will be Mark Mendoca, a tap dancer and choreographer whose extensive career includes performances for the last three U.S. presidents; opening for Barbra Streisand’s farewell concert tour in New York and Los Angeles; and performing in the Broadway hit, “Bring in ‘da Noise. Bring in ‘da Funk.”   His dancing was motion captured for the animated feature film, “The Polar Express.” Also performing is Mark’s wife, Veronica Apodaca-Mendoca, a dancer and choreographer, who has many film choreographic credits; was the artistic director for the Los Angeles-based Dance Electric; has toured with the Los Angeles Opera; and was previously a member of the Hong Kong Ballet and Southwest Ballet companies.

New Orleans-based singers, the 20-year-old Sanchez twins – Jessica and Casey, will perform some of their original songs, two of which were recently selected for placement in ABC’s new reality show, “One Ocean View.”  Scott and Sarah Wright, who sing with the Mobile Opera, Mobile Symphony and in musical theater, will perform a selection, and Tim Jackson’s Dixieland Band will round out the performances for the evening.

Before and after the performances, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the Phantasy gallery where some of the area’s most well-known artists will have their works on display for bidding in the auction. Participating artists to date include Judy Aronson,  Pinky Bass, Gary Brady II, Madeline Ann Busby, Diane Lestage-Davis, Norma Enominger, Dixie Fortis, Katherine Fowler, Mary J. Herndon, John B. Howell, Stacey Howell, Peggy Lawrence, Linda Ledet, Jaime Lee, Emilee Lyons, Frederick Marchman, Carolyn Newcomer, Nancy Raia, Jerry Roldan, Jamie Sowards, Betty Boykin Walker, Val Webb, and Anita Westerberg.

Alec Naman Catering will once again offer an array of delicious dinner selections for guests.  And finally, Mr. Big, a party band based in Pensacola, will provide music for dancing.

As part of Fairhope’s First Friday Art Walk on Friday, November 3 from 6 to 8 p.m., the public is invited to a free preview at the Civic Center of all the art that has been created by regional artists as well as Fairhope public school students for Phantasy. 

To date, through Phantasy of the Arts, FEEF has raised $120,000 for the arts complex. Tickets for Phantasy of the Arts are available by calling FEEF at 990-FEEF (3333).  Tickets for the gala are $150 per person.