Marcus Knox-Chinnery and Daniela Stevenson enjoyed the 2008 Garden Party.

WAILUKU — The Garden Party, Maui Academy of Performing Arts’ annual fund-raiser, will be held Sunday, Sept. 13, from 1 to 5 p.m. on the shady lawn of the Yokouchi Family Estate in Wailuku.

As you spend an elegant afternoon chatting with friends, sipping wine, indulging in fine cuisine and bidding on treasures and art, you’ll make a difference in the lives of Maui’s children by supporting MAPA’s educational performing arts programs. 

“MAPA has grown into one of the state’s largest performing arts organizations, offering a full range of educational performing arts programs,” said Keith Ranney, MAPA’s board president. 

“The Garden Party fund-raiser has a direct impact on the success of our nonprofit organization. As MAPA’s largest fund-raiser, it plays an essential role in bringing performing arts opportunities to our community. The funds raised from this event ensure that MAPA’s performing arts programs remain accessible and affordable for Maui’s visitors and residents.”

Now in its 21st year, the Garden Party — sponsored this year by Hawaii Liquor Superstore — is a unique event that celebrates the bounty of the arts.

Uniting visitors, residents and the island’s top artists and chefs, the elegant afternoon event will feature an impressive Chefs’ Festival, fine wine, live jazz, two auctions and the event’s signature offering, “Fresh Art.” 

As guests meander through the picturesque grounds of the 2471 West Main St. estate, they watch painters and sculptors create works of art. Several lucky guests get to take the fresh artwork home with them when it is auctioned off at the end of the afternoon. Visitors to Maui particularly enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring home a unique piece of Maui.

This year’s participating artists include George Allan, Joe Fletcher, Jack Hamilton, Susie Monroe, Sue Perry, Jamie Roth, Janet Shaner, Maggie Sutrov and Steve Turnbull.

Guests will be treated to gourmet delights from 16 of Maui’s favorite restaurants in the Chefs’ Festival while they sip world-class wines. Restaurants participating include Roy’s Kahana Bar & Grill, The Waterfront Restaurant, Café O’Lei Restaurants, Casanova Italian Restaurant & Deli, Ma‘alaea Grill, Hula Grill, Mulligan’s on the Blue, Café Marc Aurel, Bentos & Banquets by Bernard, Maui Fresh Chef, Da Kine Herb Farm, Rimfire Imports, Maui Tacos, Dad’s Doughnuts, Sir Wilfred’s and Maui Chocolate Fountain.

“We have fabulous silent auction items, including hotel stays, fine jewelry, a fresh-cut Christmas tree from Kula Botanical Gardens and much more,” said Garden Party Chair Linda Howlett. “And if you forget your hat, you can pick out a handmade millinery creation at our Garden Shoppe, which also features plants, garden items and unique gifts.”

Live music will be provided by Moondance (Jim Howlett and Rudy Esquer) and Bentley Kalaway.

Unique to the Garden Party is the opportunity to purchase “Garden Green” — pay $75 and get a “Garden Green” certificate worth $100 to be spent at the event. Purchase as much “Garden Green” as you like, in denominations of $100 only, for use at the silent and live auctions, as well as the Garden Shoppe. To purchase “Garden Green” in advance, call the MAPA office at 244-8760. 

Tickets to the Garden Party, an event for adults 21 and over, are $65 in advance, $75 at the event or $750 for a reserved table of ten. The ticket price includes all food and beverages served at the event.

Tickets are available in person at the MAPA office at 81 N. Church St. in Wailuku, Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center’s Customer Service Kiosk, The Nail Shop in Kihei and Sir Wilfred’s in Whaler’s Village, or phone 244-8760 or visit www.mauiacademy.org.