Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Preparations for Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center’s Gala-to-Go on May 1

Preparations are underway for Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center’s 2021 Cannonball Gala-to-Go, to be held Saturday, May 1.

The gala committee has been meeting on a regular basis to coordinate details for the event, which is an important fundraiser for KTM&HC, providing crucial funding for preservation and programming initiatives throughout the year. The Gala-to-Go will provide catered meals for takeout, as well as exclusive virtual programming content, and a raffle of iconic Susan Scala pottery.

One of the highlights of the ticket package is the culinary demonstration by renowned local chefs Sarah and Bernard Bouïssou. Filmed by videographer Noah Manheimer in the state-of-the-art teaching kitchen at RVNAhealth, the culinary demo provides a behind-the-scenes look at some of the gala preparations.

Hilary Micalizzi, board member at KTM&HC, described the pre-recorded culinary demo as a unique opportunity. “In the video, Sarah and Bernard Bouïssou demonstrate how they create braised short ribs as well as lime cheesecake with a cherry compote, both of which are options that gala ticket purchasers can select for takeout on May 1.

The culinary demo makes the gala experience more interactive, as viewers will get to watch components of their meal being prepared, and they’ll also receive the exact recipes so that they can make the dishes on their own.” Ticket holders will receive the video link to the culinary demo on May 1, and it can be viewed through the end of May.

Another highlight of the Gala-to-Go offerings is the raffle, which features beautiful pieces of hand-painted pottery by Connecticut artist Susan Scala. In her artwork and in her conversation, Scala is a compelling and energetic storyteller, blending historic and modern perspectives with her own life experiences. In an exclusive interview, Scala described her art as her way of engaging with and giving back to the community. “As an innkeeper’s wife, people knew me, and I got to know them. I got involved with causes, and I always contributed within the art form.”

When asked about how she designed the pieces of pottery for the raffle – a platter and a pitcher which prominently feature the Keeler Tavern – Scala explained that she typically draws from past impressions: “I use my imagination and I let myself go into the piece. What are the memories I see of the tavern at this moment?” Individuals who want a chance to own one of Scala’s unique, custom pieces can purchase raffle tickets now through May 1.

To sponsor the Cannonball Gala-to-Go, or to buy meal and raffle tickets, click HERE.