Cookeville’s fine art aficionados know it’s not fall without the Autumn Bacchanal to support Tennessee Tech art programs.

Bacchanal organizers gather at Spankies, host of the annual event. From left: Karla Clark, Gail Gentry, Janey Dudney, Jane Morgan Roberts, Beth Smith, John Josephson and Ward Doubet.

They’re getting their bid cards and appetites ready now for the event — set for 1 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 9, at Spankies Restaurant — which features a live auction of art and fine craft beginning at 2:30 p.m., a cocktail buffet and wine and beer tastings.

“The Bacchanal has grown to be a fall tradition in the Upper Cumberland, so join the throng of wine-tasting, hors d’oeuvre-craving, art-buying fun-lovers and enjoy Bacchanal 2005 knowing you’re doing a good thing,” says Art Professor Ward Doubet, chairperson of the Bacchanal planning committee.

Since the event began in 1995, it’s raised more than $22,000 for scholarships to 25 students, contributed $2,000 to purchase essential equipment for painting and art education programs and provided $6,000 to Friends of the Appalachian Center for Craft of Tennessee in its successful, grass-roots advocacy effort to save Craft Center programs during severe budget cuts during 1996-97.

“These are great examples of modest sums with the right timing providing the leverage for big results when the consequences could have been dire if those funds had not been found,” Doubet says.

Support for the Bacchanal is just as important now as ever, he says, with the B.F.A. degree program on campus and at the Craft Center growing to 120 majors. Those students consistently give outstanding performances in national student competitions and presentations at national conferences on art education, clay, fibers, glass, metals, painting and wood.

“The Bacchanal is a fantastic event — we’ve had so much fun in the past, and I can’t wait to taste this year’s selection of wines and make some additions to my art collection,” says John Josephson, owner of Spankies and a Bacchanal sponsor since the event began.

Several of this year's Bacchanal supporters are, seated from left: Shelia Cupp, Spring Creek Pie Co.; Freida Campbell and Ronda Butler, Middle Tennessee Radiology; and John Josephson, Spankies. Standing, from left: Derek Baranowski; and George Dixson, Budweiser.

Underwriter Derek Baranowski agrees, saying, “It’s something I look forward to every year — lots of great fun and outstanding art.”

Bacchanal guests receive complimentary wine glasses, and free valet parking will be provided.

Underwriters for this year’s event are Derek and Diana Baranowski, Dr. Laurie Malmstrom and Dr. Cameron Cole, Middle Tennessee Radiology, Dr. Melvin Rapelyea, and Swallows-Newman Insurance Agency.

The 2005 Bacchanal sponsors are B&G Wholesale, Budweiser of Cookeville, Clear Channel Communications, Ted McWilliams, Robert Orr Sysco, Spankies Restaurant and Spring Creek Pie Co.

Advance tickets are $30 and available through Friday, Oct. 7; tickets at the door are $35. For reservations or questions, call Candace Osteen at 3161 or e-mail her at costeen.