Contributed by: Sandi Mulconry / Group M Communications

Laura Austin and Holland Gregg will emcee the Skaneateles Area Arts Council’s fifth annual summer gala, featuring Judy Collins, July 12 from 6 to 10 p.m. on the shore at the lakeside estate of Stella Maris Retreat Center, a former Roosevelt mansion.

Actress Laura Austin is founder and artistic director of the Redhouse Arts Center in Syracuse. Austin led the renovations of a three-story historic building in Armory Square to create the Redhouse. Under her artistic direction, the state-of-the-art facility has hosted more than 300 events in theater, film, visual art and music. Over the last four seasons, Austin has overseen the production of 16 plays in which her responsibilities included selecting, casting, commissioning, directing, acting, promotion and fund-raising.

Austin has served on the boards of numerous arts organizations. Locally, she has served on the Cultural Resources Council, SU School of Architecture, Skaneateles Festival, Sarah G. Austin Foundation and Allyn Foundation board of directors. She has taught acting in SU’s College of Visual and Performing Arts and is an active member of the Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity.

Her extensive study includes work at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, The Hartford Conservatory, the Nikolais Louis Dance Theatre, La Mama, Second City, Terry Shreiber, Stella Adler and Howard Fine Studios. She is a graduate of Trinity College, where she earned the President’s Fellowship Award in Theatre and Dance. Austin’s performing career encompasses television and film work in Los Angeles and off-Broadway, and regional theater work throughout the country and abroad.

Holland Gregg is an award-winning musician, businessman and community leader who is vice president of sales, marketing and licensing for Patience Brewster Inc. Gregg and Brewster (who has published more than 30 children’s books, including “The Merbaby” and “Too Many Puppies”) launched a greeting card company, Patience Brewster Cards, in 2002 and an ornament and gift company earlier this year.

Patience Brewster products can be found in nearly 4,000 retail stores in the United States and more than a dozen countries around the world. The company is headquartered in Skaneateles, with offices in Minneapolis and San Diego.

Gregg has been active in many Central New York organizations, including Citizens to Preserve the Character of Skaneateles, the Skaneateles High School Courtyard Project, the Skaneateles Area Arts Council, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Finger Lakes Land Trust and the Tri-County Skaneateles Pure Lakes Association.

The highlight of the Arts Council gala will be a concert by Judy Collins. Proceeds from the gala will support the Arts Council’s cultural events and community grants program.

Few singers have had the staying power of Judy Collins. For nearly 50 years, her poetic lyrics have galvanized a generation. She has released more than 40 albums, and has had numerous Top 10 hits, Grammy nominations, and gold- and platinum- selling albums. Collins has thrilled audiences worldwide with her unique blend of interpretative folksongs and contemporary themes. In 2005, she released the long-awaited “Portrait of an American Girl,” her first studio album in eight years.

The Arts Council’s “A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream” gala includes lakeside wine from Anyela’s Vineyards; dining al fresco by Chris Kuhns, executive chef of Phoebe’s Restaurant and the Sherwood Inn; and desserts by Rosalie’s Cucina.

The title sponsor is Dr. Robert Kiltz, owner of CNY Healing Arts and CNY Fertility Centers. Mirbeau Inn and Spa is the artist host sponsor.

Additional sponsors are: Anyela’s Vineyards; Auburn Party Rental; Byrne, Costello & Pickard, PC; Caz Limo; Clear Channel Radio; Cowley Associates; Creekside Books & Coffee/Laura’s List Books for Women; Dermody, Burke & Brown; Rachel Harms & Steve Datz; Bill & Donna Davis; Barbara & Jed Delmonico/Delmonico Insurance; Eagle Newspapers; Michael P. Falcone; Fleur-de-Lis Florist; Gilberti Heinz & Smith, PC; Michele Gardiner Design; James Gregg/Wells Fargo Advisers; Group M Communications; Jacobs Press; Jean & Jack McGlynn/McGlynn Interiors; Sarah Ridings Morrow; Darlene Kerr; Jim & Kimball Kraus; Sally & Bob Neuman; Packwood House; Phoebe’s Restaurant; Linda Roche Division RealtyUSA.com; Jack & Stephanie Rudnick/Everson Museum of Art; Rosalie’s Cucina; Philippe & Jeremy Schwimmer; Sherwood Inn; Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce; Skaneateles Journal; Skaneateles Press; Joe & Therese Strodel; Syracuse.com; The Citizen; Carol Watson/Watson Greenhouse; WCNY-TV; WRVO-FM; WSYR 570; and Jeff & Kate Youle.

Ticket prices are $250 for VIP seating, $125 for regular seating. Tickets may be purchased by sending a check to the Skaneateles Area Arts Council, P.O. Box 422, Skaneateles, NY 13152 or by visiting the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce at 22 Jordan St. Advance purchase is required for all seating.

About the gala host – Stella Maris Retreat Center

The mansion that is now Stella Maris Retreat Center was built in 1879 and originally owned by Frederick Roosevelt. The Sisters of St. Francis purchased the property in 1952, and it was dedicated by the Bishop of Central New York as a retreat center in 1954. “Stella Maris” is Latin for “Star of the Sea.”

Stella Maris is committed to the mission of leading all to a deeper knowledge and love of God and to fostering the values of hospitality, unconditional love, and peace.

About the Skaneateles Area Arts Council

The mission of the Arts Council is to celebrate the visual and performing arts by creating an environment where cultural activity thrives in our community. The Arts Council presents cultural programming and issues community support grants to artists and arts organizations in the Skaneateles area. Winners of 2009 Skaneateles Area Arts Council grants are the Auburn Chamber Orchestra, the Auburn Public Theatre, Hetty Easter, Becky Flannigan, Lisa Ford, the Skaneateles Festival, the Skaneateles Summer Theatre and the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra.

The Skaneateles Area Arts Council is a 501(c)3 not-for profit organization. To contact the Arts Council, call 315-685-2414.