Clea Hantman, Dutch Perry, Phil Beaumont

and Jeff Motch.

Photo by Cause for Celebration

The Museum School's Spanish Night at the Prado proved an armchair trip to the old country for supporters of the innovative little charter school-that-could.

Aaron and Pam McFarland; Jane Perry.

Photo by Cause for Celebration

Who came?: Sangria and guitars greeted gusts passing through the arches of The Prado Restaurant's Spanish revival Grand Ballroom. Co-chairs Rosemary Metcalf and Delsy Pantoja and school director Phil Beaumont mingled with governance councilmember Nicolas Watson and his wife Felicia, as well as Clea Hantman and Jeff Motch of the Blind Lady Ale House. Site councilmember Samantha Jenkins was there with husband Jardea as were Sara and Ben West, Brian and Denise White, and Brannan Freeman from the San Diego Museum of Art. Dan and Julie Cote enjoyed a table full of friends, and the grand prize drawing for a week in Barcelona and Madrid. New governance councilmembers Sharon Payne, Rich Cansdale and Perry Vasquez took in their first Museum School gala, and beloved Museum School alumna Olivia Perryserved as assistant to auctioneer Richard Houk.

The Cause: The tuition-free Museum School is a public charter school serving a diverse student body from all over San Diego in K-6th grade. Originally conceived within the walls of a museum, its unique curriculum has drawn the interest of educators around the country interested in studying its model of success. Project-based departments and enriching classes, such as art, music, sewing, movement and media arts are part of the regular curriculum. The abilities of all participants are nurtured through experimental, project-based learning, the arts and the wealth of resources available at San Diego's museums.

Jordea and Samantha Jenkins.

Photo by Cause for Celebration

Nick and Felicia Watson; Mike Metcalf.

Photo by Cause for Celebration

The Good Hearted: Stepping up in flamenco attitude, Spanish Night sponsors included wine donor Kate McWilliamson, InviteMe for invitations and programs, Felicia Watson at Arthouse for graphics and design, North Park Trophy & Award, Sam and Sara, Geoffrey F. Sternlieb, M.D., 21 Carole Realty, Center for Cosmetic Surgery and Sir Speedy. The Machicotes and Lawrence families were applauded for assuring a smooth-running auction.

The Creative: The warm patina of the Prado's Grand Ballroom was offset in reds and golds on silent auction tables designed by the co-chairs. The talented Mario Olivares Guitar Duo of Mario Olivares and Gill Baron strummed musical ambience, and Perry Vasquez's Fotoaktion initiated hilarity with amusing self portraits.

Get Involved: Innovative curriculum and lack of storage space means the Museum School is best supported by gift cards to grocery stores (kitchen science), fabric and craft shops (sewing), art supply stores and garden nurseries. Facility improvements like carpeting and computers are also coveted, as are partnerships with museums, businesses and artists. If you're interested in applying for the school, establishing a partnership or providing a service or donation, contact Jane Perry at 619-236-8712 or museumschooloffice@gmail.com.