Kick-off the local arts and entertainment season celebrating the arts and benefiting student scholarships at this year's George Mason University "ARTS by George!" gala. The evening includes showcases by Mason's College of Visual and Performing (CVPA) arts students, a silent auction of arts-related items and experiences and topped-off with the performance of musical headliner Patti LuPone, a rare recipient of the Tony, Grammy and Olivier Awards.

"ARTS by George!" has raised "more than $1 million for student scholarships and support for the Great Performances at Mason series," said Brian Marcus, associate dean, Development & Alumni Affairs, CVPA. It is a “signature event.”

Meaghan Busch, a Mason School of Art graduate, said the "ARTS" gala is "an opportunity to give back to a school that I received so much from...The professors were always available with an open ear, supportive of the students in whatever direction they choose to go in and genuinely care about their students." Busch is donating an artwork for the silent auction. "Donating a piece of art and expressing my gratitude and love of my school is the least I can do."

The meaning of scholarships to attend Mason's College of Visual and Performing Arts is keenly felt by Erika Langmeyer. She is a Mason dance graduate currently dancing with Moira Dance Company. Langmeyer added that "the inspiring George Mason teachers and mentors were so important...I felt the professors were invested in me and my success, I was just so fortunate that I could pursue my dream".

The annual celebration is a "showcase to inspire arts management students," said Claire Huscheile, Program Director, Arts Management at Mason. Managing the business aspects of the arts is a key aspect in the "behind the scenes activities that take place for visual or performing arts" to come before an audience. Claire Kelly, Director of Exhibitions, National Portrait Gallery credits her professional arts management achievements in no small part to her "education and experiences at Mason."

"Mason has an industry leading arts faculty in everything from music, dance and theater to visual arts, film and computer gaming. And it attracts hugely talented students that will become the future generation of artists, arts managers and teachers," said Mark Shugoll, co-chair with Merrill Shugall, of this year's "ARTS by George!"

"Many students could not afford to attend the university without the scholarships funded by this event," Mark Shugoll said.