Symphony of the Senses:
The Imagination Celebration
Symphony of the Senses : The Imagination Celebration
Saturday, February 28, 2026
6:00 PM
The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts
Prepare to indulge your imagination as the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts presents Symphony of the Senses: The Imagination Celebration, a night where art, sound, taste, and movement converge in perfect harmony. This may not be the type of symphony you’re used to, but it is sure to inspire.
Guests will experience an unforgettable evening that celebrates creativity in every form, featuring live performances, interactive art, and inspired cuisine.
Our Mission
Symphony of the Senses fundraiser supports the mission of The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts to cultivate, promote, and provide access to the creative arts for all residents and visitors through programs, education, and outreach.
Proceeds from the evening directly support exhibitions, educational initiatives, and performances that serve the community throughout the year. By attending, you are helping sustain inclusive access to the arts in Suffolk.
Schedule at a Glance
5:30 PM | Sponsor Check-In & Early Access
6:00 PM – 7:15 PM | Cocktail Hour in the Immersive Galleries & Parlors
7:30 PM – 11:00 PM | Dinner, Live Auction, & Dancing
Open Seating Available. Attire is Imaginative Cocktail.
The Experience
Throughout the evening, guests will encounter immersive performances and interactive experiences designed to engage the senses and invite participation.
During cocktail hour, Visual Artistry Entertainment will present live performances across both second-floor galleries, adding movement, atmosphere, and visual storytelling to the experience. These moments are designed to unfold organically as guests explore the space, creating a sense of discovery and connection throughout the galleries.
In each gallery, attendees will also take part in a guest-collaborative art installation, created live during cocktail hour. Centered on the theme The Faces of the Center, these large-scale works reflect who we serve, what we represent, and how the arts connect our community. Guests are invited to contribute their own creative marks, transforming the pieces into collective expressions of the Center’s mission. Both completed works will be auctioned live later in the evening.
As the event transitions downstairs, Dream Team Entertainment will anchor the ballroom celebration, guiding the energy from the live auction into an upbeat finale of music and dancing.
Cocktail Hour
During cocktail hour, the second-floor galleries become active spaces for live performance and guest interaction.
Warm Sensory Gallery
Guests are transported into a rich, intimate atmosphere where deep reds, copper, and amber tones glow against flickering flames punctuated by the captivating movement of a professional belly dancer.
Cool Sensory Gallery
A calming, ethereal environment where blues, whites, and soft greens shimmer through iridescent lighting.
An aerialist performs fluid, expressive movements overhead while a live string quartet provides and elegant soothing soundtrack.
Guest-Collaborative Art Installations
Throughout cocktail hour, guests are invited to take part in the creation of two large-scale collaborative artworks titled:
We Gather Here
A Place Made for Us
Each piece is built through simple contributions from guests, forming a shared portrait of the community present that evening. These pieces interpret the theme “The Faces of the Center” – who we serve, what we represent, and how the arts connect our community.
Guests contribute their own artistic flair throughout the evenings, and the completed works will be auctioned live.
Food & Drink
Guests will enjoy curated culinary moments throughout the evening, with featured local restaurants serving across multiple spaces in The Suffolk Center.
Mod Olive
Serving in the Warm Gallery
Featured drink pairing: Smoked Honey Old Fashioned
Korean Gochujang Chicken Meatballs
Mole Negro Deviled Eggs
Harissa Roasted Cauliflower Bites
Bold, globally inspired bites designed to complement rich and smoky notes.
Silos
Serving in the Cool Gallery
Featured drink pairing: Hugo Spritz
Steak and Chimichurri on Rosemary Crostini
Shrimp Ceviche with Corn Chips
Pimento Cheese, Cucumber, and Cracker
Fresh, vibrant flavors paired with a light, aromatic cocktail.
Harper’s Table
Dinner service in the Ballroom beginning at 7:45 PM
A seated dinner experience to close the evening, followed by dessert service.
Roasted Chicken with Stone-Ground Grits, Charred Broccoli & Smoked Tomato
Brioche Bread Puddin’ with Butterscotch Caramel
Bittersweet Chocolate Cake with whipped cream & Crispy Chocolate
The Live Auction
The Live Auction closes the formal portion of the evening and directly supports the Suffolk Center’s year-round programming.
Auction offerings will include:
Original artworks from regional and nationally recognized artists
Experience-based packages created by the Center
Curated offerings from popular local businesses
Additional surprise items announced closer to the event
Each package reflects creativity and community partnership in sustaining the arts in Suffolk and Hampton Roads.
Auction highlights will be announced as they are confirmed.
Sponsored By:
