MIXING IT UP: Last January’s “ART OF Mixology” at the Arts Council of Princeton was such a success that a second round has been scheduled for July 31, as part of the ART OF series of fundraising events.

By Anne Levin

When the Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) was planning its annual big fundraiser two years ago, staff members came up with an idea for something more affordable and inclusive. Instead of the standard gala party, they decided to try a series of participatory gatherings covering a range of topics — from the difference between French and Spanish wines to making perfect holiday wreaths.

That first series was a success. Since then, some 30 ART OF events have been held by the ACP. The latest batch begins July 31 with part two of “Mixology with 3BR Distillery,” a cocktail-crafting session back by popular demand. Following throughout the fall are “Matcha with Ooika,” “Vintage Jewelry with H1912,” “NJ Farming and the Future,” a trip to see the Broadway show Hell’s Kitchen, “Thriving in a Toxic World with Melissa Klepacki,” “Holiday Magic with Francisco Irala,” and “Thrifting, a Journey to the Golden Nugget Flea Market.”

“We’re in our third year now, and I feel like we’re in a place where we can really be intentional about finding interesting things,” said Liza Peck, the Arts Council’s development director. “We know what people are responding to. We can hone in on what we’re offering. And we can make sure there is a place for everybody in the community. That means a wide range of topics.”

Tickets for ART OF events range from free (“NJ Farming and the Future”) to $550 for “Hell’s Kitchen,” which includes admission to the show, transportation, and a dinner with the co-producer. Other events are $20 and $30.

“Some of these are lofty, and others are just fun,” Peck said. “We’re trying to balance low-key evenings with some that have a bit more of an agenda. I love that we have such a wide range of topics.”

Among the most popular was a crossword puzzle event held this past January, which sold out instantly. “People wanted to be on the waiting list. For the next time we do it, we’ll try to offer something a little bit different so that people who came last time can learn something new,” Peck said.

While the offerings change, the goal of introducing participants to creativity and innovation in the Princeton community while raising funds for ongoing programs remains the same. At the August 1 “Matcha with Ooika” event, the owner of the Lawrenceville teahouse Ooika will cover the history, production methods, and cultural significance of the traditional Japanese tea. At “Jewelry with H1912” on September 12, vintage consultant Miles Franklin will talk about buying, selling, and collecting vintage jewelry and timepieces.

Peck is especially enthusiastic about the trip to see the Alicia Keys musical Hell’s Kitchen on October 23. “Dana Hughes Moorhead, who lives in our neighborhood and is a former ACP board member and longtime supporter, is the co-producer of the show, and she’s going to have dinner with us,” she said. “She’s really excited to have us bring people in.”

“Thriving in a Toxic World” on November 7 is a one-hour talk with Melissa Hall Klepacki designed to demonstrate how to reduce exposure to harmful ingredients in daily life. “Holiday Magic with Francisco Irala is December 12, and a date for “Thrifting, a Journey to the Golden Nugget Flea Market” is to be scheduled. Plans are underway for a collaboration with the New Jersey Agricultural Society.

“We keep adding events,” Peck said. “It has been so nice to have things that are more accessible to a wider public. We always have one free event on the schedule, and try to keep costs down. We get to meet so many passionate, creative people, and highlight their voices a bit. We used to have a big fancy fundraiser, and this is just fun.”

For more information, visit artscouncilofprinceton.org.