A Latin-themed party benefits a local arts center.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGIE BAAN

he weather was picture perfect
as artists and art lovers gathered
at the Bloomfield Township
home of Linda and Charles Soberman
for a lively and colorful Solstice Soiree.
Strolling guitarists helped set the festive
mood during the Latin-themed patron
party for the Birmingham Bloomfield Art
Center.
More than 90 of the center's biggest
supporters enjoyed cocktails and hors
d'oeuvres along Lower Long Lake. Guests
also took pontoon boat rides, watched a
magician perform and had dinner under
an outdoor tent decorated with brightly
colored paper cutouts. Wheatgrass and
Gerber daisies filled glass centerpieces on
the tables. The June 24 event was a pre-
lude to artBlast — an Independence Day
celebration at the BBAC with music, food
and fireworks.
"I love to entertain," said hostess
Linda Soberman. "It was fun and a per-
fect night."

Partygoers also got to tour the
the 2006 Women in the Arts Award
Sobermans' renovated 1890s farmhouse,
from the Jewish Community Center of
which is filled with their eclectic art col-
Metropolitan Detroit.
lection. Pieces include the work
Linda has taught a variety of
of local artists, historical and
classes at the BBAC for 34 years.
contemporary photographs and
"There's such a warmth and
artwork from the couple's trav-
openness at the art center," she
els to Mexico. The sun porch
said. "I think we're so fortunate;
is a cottage room decorated
it's not every community that
with farm signs. Other rooms
has this kind of place."
combine traditional works with
The BBAC offers more than
antiques, folk art and pottery.
500 classes a year, giving chil-
"It's a really beautiful blend
dren and adults a place to share
RO BIN
of old and new," said Gwenn
their
artwork and refine their
SCHW ARTZ
Rosseau of Birmingham, one of
skills. About 4,000 students take
COLU MNIST
the soiree co-chairs.
part in the center's programs,
"It's a fun, livable house,"
workshops and art camps. The
Linda Soberman added. "People walk in
center also has three large exhibition gal-
and smile, which gives me a lot of plea-
leries with constantly changing art exhib-
sure."
its. As with every nonprofit organization,
Linda's own photo-based mixed media
fundraising is a primary concern.
artwork and her in-home art studio also
"Our focus in the coming year will be
were on display. She's an award-winning
to engage the entire community through
artist and educator recently honored with
recognition and celebration of the

BBAC's 50th anniversary," said executive
director Jane Linn.
"I feel the BBAC is a real jewel, an
extraordinary community resource," added
Joyce LaBan of Bloomfield Hills, another
soiree co-chair.
"I've personally gotten so much out of
the art center over the years," said Linda
Soberman, "I just wanted to give back and
say, 'Thank you.'"
Spotted among the Solstice Soiree
crowd were Judith and Joe Adelman
of Birmingham; Leila and Martin
Evelev and Joyce and Myron LaBan of
Bloomfield Hills; Sarah and Jonathan
Jacobs of Franklin; Andrea and Ely Tama
of Farmington Hills; Joan and Manuel
Jacobs of Bingham Farms; and Prudence
Bernstein of West Bloomfield. Sponsors
included Fifth Third Bank, Comerica
Bank, Cambridge Underwriters Ltd., LR
Management Services Corporation and
the Troy law firm of Deneweth, Dugan
Parfitt. ❑

The Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center is located at 1516 S. Cranbrook Road in Birmingham. For information on classes or other programs, call (248) 644-0866 or go to bbartcenterog

Sarah and Jonathan Jacobs
of Franklin

ale Frankel and Audrey
delheit of West Bloomfield

Patty Cunningham of Bloomfield Hills, Gwenn Rosseau
of Birmingham and Caroline Brill of Clarkston

Susie Citrin of Birmingham, Loris Birnkrant of
Birmingham and Sally Soberman of West Bloomfield

Michael Frank of West Bloomfield, Joyce
and Dr. Myron LaBan of Bloomfield Hills

Linda Soberman and Jane Lynn
of West Bloomfield

Fran and Phil Wolok
of Bloomfield Township

Sara Frank of West Bloomfield and
Andrea Tama of Farmington Hills

Judy and Joel Adelman
of Birmingham

Linda Soberman and Prudence Bernstein
of West Bloomfield