Gustine residents and visitors from surrounding towns are invited to gather at the Al Goman Center for Pizza & Picasso’s, an evening of creativity, community, and support for local programs on Jan. 31.
Organized by the Gustine Recreation Department, the Miss Gustine Court, and the Gustine Chamber of Commerce, the event promises art, pizza, and good company, all while raising funds for the Miss Gustine Pageant and Gustine Recreation Department.
“The event is a fundraiser, but what the money is going to is the Miss Gustine Pageant and the Gustine Recreation Department,” explained Judi Gandy, Secretary of the Gustine Chamber of Commerce. “It costs money to do all that—to put on all these events and the pageant you know. It’s a fun way to support both the Miss Gustine Pageant and support the Recreation Department.”
This event has become a regional favorite, drawing participants not only from Gustine but from neighboring towns like Los Banos, Patterson, and Merced.
“We get a lot of people from all over,” said Gandy. “We had a really nice group from Los Banos—two tables, actually. And then, oh, the one table came from Merced. People come in groups, which makes it really fun.”
The event offers attendees the chance to create their own masterpiece with guidance from instructor Kelly Gregg of Segmented Art. Each ticket includes art supplies, pizza, desserts, and drink tickets for non-alcoholic beverages, mimosas, margaritas, or wine.
For those new to painting, the event provides a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Even Gandy, a former painter, shared her own humorous experience with art nights:
“I used to paint and liked it, but every time somebody wanted a drink or something, I had to leave my painting. Then, in the middle of the night, six people were painting my picture! It really wasn’t my picture anymore,” Gandy laughed. “So now I just buy one, give it to my niece, and let her paint it!”
With limited seating available, the event is expected to sell out quickly. Tickets are $50 for an 11x14 canvas and $55 for a 16x20 canvas, and they must be purchased by Jan. 29. Tickets can be secured online at www.cityofgustine.com or by contacting the Gustine Chamber of Commerce at 209-854-6975.
Pizza & Picasso’s promises to be a memorable evening where attendees can connect, create, and contribute to the community. Whether you’re an artist, a pizza lover, or someone just looking for a fun night out, this event offers something for everyone—all while supporting programs that enrich Gustine and its residents.
As Gandy summed it up, “It’s all about bringing people together for a great cause—and having a little fun along the way.”
