The Allentown Art Museum of the Lehigh Valley switched it up for “Cocktails & Collecting,” one of its most popular fund-raisers, which this year featured more of the region’s artists than ever.

It was the 10th year for the event, as well as for Illene Wood, who has chaired the event from its inception and this year co-chaired with Arjana Etchason.

An estimated 400 perused work by 34 artists, up from 26 last year, at the Nov. 7 event in the museum, according to Chris Potash, Manager of Marketing and Public Relations, Allentown Art Museum.

“This is everybody’s favorite event,” Potash said.

Those attending were greeted by the exhibition, “Steve Tobin: Cocoon Awakenings,” which includes Tobin’s new glass pieces and continues through Jan. 16, 2016.

The fund-raiser earmarks 30 percent of art sales and commissions for museum educational initiatives.

Attendees dined on hors-d’oeuvres, a buffet and an array of cheeses by Catering by Karen Hunter and enjoyed specialty drinks, themed for the evening, including the Barnaby, named for Barnaby Ruhe, who regaled those who sat for his action painting portraits.

“This is a very interesting group of people,” said Etchason.

Indeed, all ages and diversities were represented. Attendees mingled with each other and the artists, each of whom had a display space in the museum’s Community Gallery, Rodale Gallery, Scheller Gallery and Fowler Gallery.

“It’s a whole new look,” said Deborah Slahta of Lower Saucon Township, who displayed her finely-crafted stoneware and raku-fired pottery.

“I think that due to the committee, which has been working on it for a year, we have been able to increase the number of artists,” said David Mickenberg, Priscilla Payne Hurd President and CEO, Allentown Art Museum.

Mickenberg also cited the increased social interaction of patrons with artists because of the artists’ booths placement as well as the expansion of the placement in galleries throughout the museum.

Participating artists and organizations included Khalil Allaik, ArtsQuest Glass, Baum School Ceramics, Stephen Bennett, Bertoia Studio, Beth Moser Designs, Devyn Leonor Briggs, Michael Brolly, Larry E. Buss, Sandra Corpora, Phoebe Darlington, Ron Delong, David Derr, Renzo Faggioli, Peter Grippe Estate, Emma Horning and Amanda Quevedo, Femi J. Johnson, Barbara Kozero, Jennifer Lilya, Rina and Newton Malerman, Michelle Neifert, Rigo Peralta, Andrei Protsouk, Andrea Rimberg, Norman Rubington Estate, Barnaby Ruhe, Ann Elizabeth Schlegel, Joseph C. Skrapits, Deborah Slahta, Svetlana Designs Jewelry, Corianne Thompson, Loretta Tryon and Jane Voorhees.

The Cocktails & Collecting Committee included Santa Bannon Shillea, Barbara Bigelow, Etta Boettger, Maggie Bonge, Robert Bungerz, Pamela Deller, Ari Diaz, Lisa Fraenkel, Jane Heft, Lisa Helmer, Deb Herbst, Miria Ioannou, Charliese King, Joan Perose, Scott Rothenberger, Amy Smart, Lynda Somach, Judy Walck and Paula Young.

To submit press releases for consideration in the Good Cause column and request coverage of fund-raisers and galas, email Paul Willistein, Focus features editor: pwillistein[AT]tnonline.com