MiliGirl Art: Passion & Poetry Night

Wild Iris Coffeehouse Presents

Coffee, Chocolate & Art Affair to Benefit Eye Research

It’s been 83 years since his passing, yet his masterful impressionistic works of art remain as icons of romance with images of lush gardens and reflective, peaceful ponds. Claude Monet’s artworks and life serve as an inspiration for the Wild Iris Coffeehouse’s first annual “Passion & Poetry Night” Dessert & Fine Art Affaire to benefit Eye Research at the U of A Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science.

Claude Monet is best remembered by his grandiose paintings of his garden, and ponds at Giverny, yet few know of his vision loss and the rare visual defect called xanthopsia that he experienced in his later years, in which objects appear as if they have been overpainted with an unnatural color; In xanthopsia, that color is yellow. In affect, during the last four years of Monet’s life many of his works appear blurred. Two operations helped improve his blurred vision well enough to see his pallette and the brushstrokes but he could no longer check his work by standing back ten or fifteen feet as he was use to doing. As his vision decreased the size of his paintings increased to mural size canvases as a direct response to his need to see his work better.

“Three members of my family suffer with macular degenerative eye disease”, says Julie Gorman, owner of the Wild Iris Coffeehouse. “I have wanted to hold an event like this for a long time, because I know how this disease has affected my family members and I want to do what I can to help raise funds for research. "Our goal is to raise $2,000 to donate for eye research through reserved ticket sales and fine art."

There is a big void in educating the general public about preventative care for the eyes, and treatments for eye disease. Many eye problems can be treated with good results with timely assistance from qualified ophthalmologists. In addition to lack of awareness about the eye, there are many misconceptions and myths. Eye research strives to combat blindness and eye disease every day, while providing support and education for people with impaired vision and total vision loss.

Funding goes toward cutting-edge research to find new treatments and cures for Macular Degeneration. In addition, educational materials are created and distributed with up-to-date, accurate information as well as personalized support for patients.

Studies in large populations show that statistically a person's chance of developing a disease is increased by certain risk factors. Although the cause of age-related macular degeneration is unknown, a number of factors appear to contribute to the development of the disease. Some of them are outside of your control, like family history. Others are related to lifestyle, which can be changed. The risk factors that can be controlled are smoking, High Blood Pressure, Exposure to Harmful Sunlight, and Diet.

This year treat your Special Valentine to a romance filled evening at ““Passion & Poetry Night” at Wild Iris Coffeehouse. Guests can expect to be served at each table a tier of chocolate desserts by Soma Truffles and Wild Iris Coffeehouse, including a choice of coffee or tea to compliment the chocolates.

'Good Morning Latte'
Original oil painting by Melanie Banayat

The Wild Iris Coffee house will be donating 25% of the proceeds to the University of Arizona College of Medicine for the benefit of macular degeneration research in the Department of Ophthalmology.

Live entertainment will include music by Angie Raess (vocals/acoustic guitar), ¡Es Flamenco! Dance Group, including Isabella Dinerman, Sarah Hinson, and Anton Teschner, Poetry by Dan Seaman, and Fine Art inspired by Monet created by members of the A.C.E. Art Group, including the following Prescott artists: Melanie Banayat, Emelina Figueroa, Patricia Carberry, Bill Cramer, and Pamela Dumnire. All of the artwork will be for sale and 25% of the proceeds will be donated to the eye foundation. Visit www.aceartgroup.com to view the artwork in advance, or visit the Grayleaf Galleria next door to the Wild Iris Coffeehouse to see the artwork in person.

Advance tickets are available at Wild Iris Coffeehouse. Date of event is on Valentine’s Day Saturday February 14th. There are two dessert times to choose from: 7p – 8:30p or 9p - 10:30p. Tickets are $28 each or $50 for two, Seating is limited. Contact 928-778-5155 to purchase your tickets today!