Southern Indiana Heart for the Arts has introduced the return of its Clever Affair gala fundraiser.

The not-for-profit group’s occasion Sept. 17 at Chateau de Pique Vineyard and Brewery in Seymour will characteristic a particular acoustic efficiency by Seymour native and Rock and Roll Corridor of Famer John Mellencamp.

Plus, there can be reside music from Lilly & Madeleine, a folks pop duo from Indianapolis, together with an artwork public sale and refreshments.

“After two years of COVID prohibiting us from having this occasion, which is our main fundraiser, we’re thrilled to carry it again and higher than earlier than,” stated Speck Mellencamp, who’s government director of the Seymour-based arts middle and one in every of John Mellencamp’s sons.

Tickets turned accessible to SICA members on Saturday, and most people might purchase tickets now. A restricted variety of VIP meet-and-greet tickets can be found for $250, basic admission tickets for members are $150 and nonmembers’ tickets are $175.

They could be bought on-line by means of Eventbrite at soinart.com/artful-affair.

Doorways will open at 6 p.m. on the vineyard, 6361 N. County Street 760E. The artwork public sale will characteristic works by Marvin Cherney, Alexander Winch, Silas Cheo, Speck Mellencamp and John Mellencamp.

“We’re wanting ahead to celebrating 30 years of SICA and elevating cash for a fantastic trigger,” Speck stated. “This can undoubtedly be a particular occasion that you simply don’t need to miss.”

In response to newspaper archives, the fundraiser started as An Clever Affair in 1994. That yr, $10,000 was raised to assist help the middle, and 160 folks attended.

John Mellencamp, who owns the 1851 two-story brick mansion that homes SICA at 2001 N. Ewing St., contributed one in every of his unique work and an autographed poster, which raised greater than $1,800 within the public sale.

Within the inaugural yr and people who adopted by means of 2014, the fundraiser was held at The Pines Evergreen Room south of Seymour. Mellencamp continued to donate autographed guitars and different memorabilia for the fundraiser.

Then the occasion returned in 2019 however didn’t happen in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mellencamp just lately introduced he’s recording his 26th studio album at Bellmont Mall Recording Studio in Bloomington and is planning for a 2023 launch.

His first album, “Chestnut Avenue Incident,” was launched by MCA Data in 1976. After releasing just a few albums, he broke out in 1979 along with his first hit, “I Want a Lover.” Three years later, his fifth album, “American Idiot,” was the yr’s best-selling album with two huge hits, “Hurts So Good” and the No. 1 single “Jack and Diane.”

In 1985, he helped launch Farm Assist to learn American farmers, and in 1992, he made his movie debut starring in and directing “Falling From Grace,” a lot of which was filmed in and round Seymour.

Mellencamp was inducted into the Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame in 2008 and Songwriters Corridor of Fame in 2018.

In addition to music and appearing, Mellencamp is a celebrated painter, thus his longtime curiosity within the arts middle in his hometown.

SICA was based in 1991 to supply artwork schooling and delight to the encompassing communities, each in a gallery and studio atmosphere.

The gallery is open from 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday by means of Friday.

For details about the humanities middle, go to soinart.com and like/observe SICA on Fb and Instagram.

For details about Clever Affair, e-mail [email protected]