WHAT:
The Catalina Museum for Art & History invites guests to close out the season with its highly anticipated End of Summer Party, an evening of art, community and celebration, on Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 4 - 7 p.m. The event supports the Catalina Museum in its mission to collect, preserve and promote the culture and history of Santa Catalina Island and to bring unique exhibitions to Catalina.
This year’s event honors Dr. Richard Denney, Catalina Island’s beloved longtime veterinarian, celebrated for his extraordinary skill, compassion and decades of service to both residents and wildlife. A graduate of Texas A&M’s Veterinary Medical School and founder of Avalon’s Animal Clinic Catalina, Dr. Denney is cherished for going above and beyond for his patients—often making house calls, performing life saving surgeries under challenging conditions and personally ensuring their recovery. Known by many as the “Modern Day St. Francis of Assisi,” his dedication has made him a true Catalina treasure.
The Caribbean-themed celebration will feature live steel drum entertainment, catering by Avalon Smokehouse, craft cocktails and a silent auction with exclusive items, all in support of the museum’s exhibitions and educational programs. Individual tickets are $200 for museum members and $250 for not-yet-members, with proceeds directly benefiting the museum’s mission.
The museum recently announced the upcoming Catalina Story Project Film Premiere: Dr. Denney – Island Vet screening on Thursday, October 11, 2025 from 6:30 - 8 p.m., the latest addition to the acclaimed documentary series chronicling life on Catalina Island. Created by filmmaker and photographer Nick Morrow, the film offers a heartfelt portrait of Dr. Denney’s life and work, to be screened outdoors in the Ackerman Family Amphitheater under the stars. The October screening will be free to attend with advance registration.
WHEN:
Saturday, September 20, 2025
4 – 7 p.m.
WHERE:
Catalina Museum for Art & History
217 Metropole Avenue, Avalon, CA 90704
ADMISSION:
$200 – Museum Members
$250 – General Admission
Tickets available at CatalinaMuseum.org/End-of-
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About Catalina Museum for Art & History
The Catalina Museum for Art & History offers the best in art and history exhibitions, music and dance performances, lectures by guest speakers from all over the world and the finest in silent, documentary and international film. The museum is located in the heart of Avalon at 217 Metropole Avenue.
About Dr. Richard Denney
Dr. Richard Denney is Catalina Island’s longtime veterinarian and founder of Animal Clinic Catalina, which he opened in 2010 after years of providing veterinary services to the island through the Humane Society. A graduate of Texas A&M University’s Veterinary Medical School, Dr. Denney has cared for Catalina’s pets, wildlife and equine community since first flying from Texas to Avalon in the early 2000s to establish a spay/neuter program. Beloved for his compassion, skill, and dedication, he has been described as a “Modern Day St. Francis of Assisi” and is regarded as a true treasure of the Catalina community.
