UTICA — On Oct. 5, downtown Utica will play host to a legendary Chicago blues band, dozens of talented artisans and one very inspiring artist.
In conjunction with the Utica Business Association, August Hill Winery and Relay for Life Team Angels Among Us, the first annual Angel of HopeFest will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 5 in downtown Utica. Chicago blues band Howard and The White Boys will headline the event after having just launched their new CD at Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago. Local acoustic band Big Uproar will open the free event.
John Tyler Dossett, acclaimed disabled artist, will be celebrating a first that day. After 550 paintings in just ten years, Dossett’s work will be featured on an August Hill Winery wine bottle. “Angel of Hope,” Dossett’s painting in shades of deep pinks, will be the label on a new wine by the same name, created by Illinois Winemaker of the Year Mark Wenzel and his wife Teri. The Wenzels are continuing with their philanthropic mission by donating a dollar from every bottle sold of Angel of Hope to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
Dossett’s sister, Aimee Holland, who is deeply involved in Relay for Life, asked the Wenzels if her Relay team could host a label launch party at August Hill’s Tasting Room. The Tasting Room’s manager, Danna Stillwell, had a better idea — a block party on Mill Street during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“I am proud of all the wines we make, but the message for this wine is the most important to me,” said Mark Wenzel. “Angel of Hope is a very nice and unique wine, but what truly makes it special is the charitable cause and the artwork on the label by JT Dossett. I look forward to celebrating the wine, artwork, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Utica’s first Angel of HopeFest.”
Artisans from the area will have their work displayed for sale, and the Relay for Life Team Angels Among Us will have a 50/50 and raffle of items, including an art quilt made from Dossett’s paintings. Dossett’s art will also be available for sale, including original acrylic paintings, limited-edition prints and art jewelry. The Illinois Valley Breast Cancer Connection’s Pink Ribbon Club will be on hand to share valuable information about their program. Proceeds from the event benefit Relay for Life.
“Angel of HopeFest is such an all-around win,” said Holland. “Everybody can come have a great time, John’s art is featured in a brand-new way, August Hill Winery and the Utica businesses benefit from sharing the day with us, and — most of all — we’re fighting cancer together.”