Art can come in many forms, from the clean lines of an Armani suit to the exquisite presentation of a perfectly grilled steak.

In celebration of the future Performing Arts Center Eastside (PACE), Nordstrom and El Gaucho in Bellevue hosted a private event highlighting the arts. A large crowd gathered for a cocktail reception, a seated dinner, fashion show and live performance by award-winning young pianist Jacqueline Schmidt.

Schmidt filled the restaurant with her musical talent while a fashion presentation of the Armani Collezioni Men and Women’s Fall 2009 Collection was on display.

The event commemorated achievements made by the Board of Directors for PACE and the community who share the common vision of a world-class performing arts center in Bellevue. The ground breaking for PACE is set to begin a year from now. Over the course of the design process for PACE, several changes have been made, adding to the versatility of the new center.

In April, the PACE Board of Directors reviewed and embraced the completed Design Development plans and authorized the final phases of architectural development, Construction Documents and Permits. The final design includes a state-of-the-art, 2,000-seat Concert Hall, an intimate, 250-seat Cabaret, and expanded audience amenities. The cultural facility will offer the Eastside a range of experiences, from black-tie night at the opera to Indian classical dance or a relaxing night out at a blues club.

The Campaign For PACE is an ongoing community-based effort to raise $160 million to cover the cost of building a new performing arts center. Funding will be raised from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government. PACE will be located in downtown Bellevue at the corner of NE 10th Street and 106th Avenue NE and is scheduled to open in 2012.

To find out more about PACE, visit www.pac-eastside.org.