ADVISORY/`Gala on the Left Bank' to Raise Funds for Mason, Texas, Historical Museum.

Feature Editors/Assignment Desks/Travel Writers

ADVISORY...for Saturday (May 17)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

In a unique community effort that embodies the spirit of the Texas Hill Country, businesses and individuals in Mason, Texas, are working together to preserve the town's rich history with an unusual fundraiser May 17th, "Gala on the Left Bank." Proceeds will benefit the future Mason Square Museum, slated to anchor the town square in this largely unspoiled town, dubbed by Texas Monthly as one of the Texas Hill Country's top 25 destinations.

Taking place at the storied Willow Creek Ranch, Gala on the Left Bank promises a gourmet dinner, art auction, and to be the "social event of the season," according to event organizer Lee Ann Peavy. Texas Hill Country wines, serenading by saxophone and keyboard under the clear Texas sky, and thousands of dollars of art donated by local and regional artists will also be featured. Individuals and organizations have also donated artifacts and antiques that are unique only to Mason.

Tickets may be purchased for $35 or $60/couple at the Mason Chamber of Commerce, the Mason National Bank, the Mason Commercial Bank, Kalamazoos and the Photography As Art Gallery. You may also send a check to The Mason Square Museum, P.O. Box 1197, Mason, TX 76856.

Gala on the Left Bank featured artists include Master Southwest painter Amado Pena, Sculptors Bill Worrell, Gene Zesch, Lora Hunt and Spider Johnson, Gene and Rebecca Tobey, and nationally known artist, G. Harvey. Contributing photographers include: Dennis Fagan, Dudley Harris, Jim Venis, Burton Pritzker and the official State Photographer, Wyman Meinzer. Books by local and national authors such as Scott Zesch and Linda Finch will be auctioned. Donations have also been given by the Nedra Matteucci Gallery in Santa Fe and the Trailside Gallery in Jackson, Wyo. Additionally a 9.5 karate clear star cut topaz, the official State Gem, found only in Mason, Texas, will be sold that evening.

For more information on the Gala and the Mason Square Museum call 915/347-1099. For overnight lodging you can find accommodations in Fredericksburg, Llano and Mason. In Mason contact the Chamber of Commerce at 915/347-5758 or go to their Web site at www.masontxcoc.com. In Fredericksburg call First Class Bed and Breakfast Reservation Service at 830/997-0443, and in Llano contact the Llano Chamber of Commerce at 325/247-5354.