SPECIAL TO THE PVT Members of the Santa Ynez Valley Performing Arts Co. gather around Marta Becket during the fundraiser. Advertisement

FURNACE CREEK, Calif. -- The Furnace Creek Inn this past Sunday hosted the first local fundraiser to help create the Amargosa Museum at Death Valley Junction.

From both coasts and numerous states, long-time supporters and more recent ones gathered in the Oasis room for a brunch followed by the unveiling of Marta Becket's latest painting, "9th Avenue Vegetable Lady," and concluded with the performance of a short ballet named "Snow Birds," choreographed for and dedicated to Becket as a thank you for her inspiration.

It was performed by young dancers from the Santa Ynez Valley Performing Arts Co. who had traveled from the Santa Barbara area to be a part of this historical moment.

Becket's presence made the event even more meaningful to the 77 guests in attendance.

This event was made possible by the Furnace Creek Inn with the help of Phyllis Nefsky, to whom the Amargosa Museum Fund Committee is thankful. All proceeds go to the Amargosa Museum Fund.