WESTPORT — A “Surrealist Soiree,” theme of this year’s major fundraiser at MoCA Westport,, promises a night of surreal surprises Sept. 30 to help “keep the arts accessible to all,” according to event planners.

The soiree is set for 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at the museum, 19 Newtown Turnpike.

It will feature food and drink, an auction of “one-of-a-kind experiences,” a DJ, Spencer Heyfron’s “Surreal Photo Booth” and an opportunity to visit an exhibition of work by Purvis Young.

To reserve tickets online, click here.

Plans for the Surrealist Soiree are taking shape as MoCA Westport announces the appointment of Colleen Thomas as its new director of development. Since 2021, she has been head of education development for the museum, leading grant initiatives and guiding fundraising for the education department.

In her new assignment, Thomas will manage MoCA Westport’s overall fundraising strategy, including capital campaigns, the major gifts program, the annual fund drive, foundational and government grants, planned giving, program sponsorship and special events, according to a publicity release.

The Surrealist Soiree, Thomas said in the press statement, marks the return of MoCA Westport’s annual fundraiser for the first time since 2019, and the museum is “thrilled to invite the community back to join us this September to celebrate and support the arts.”

The arts, she said, “are critical to ensuring that people thrive as individuals and to connect as a community. MoCA Westport is a tremendous asset because it strives to ensure art opportunities are accessible by all. I look forward to working with our partners to ensure the museum’s long-term financial viability.”

For more information or questions, check the MoCA Westport website or call 203-222-7070.