Under the Stars

A party in honor of the astronomical pursuits of Michael R. Schottland Join the Schottland family and Piedmont Arts “Under the Stars” for an asteroid dedication ceremony in honor of Michael "Big Mike" Schottland. Proceeds benefit the Kathryn Ascough Smith Arts Education Fund. Open bar, heavy hors d'oeuvres and valet parking available. Big Mike + Astronomy Michael R. Schottland, who built the Schottland Mansion where Piedmont Arts is now located and founded Virginia Mirror Company, was an avid astronomer. Where Piedmont Arts’ classroom now stands, Mr. Schottland had a large observatory with a world-class telescope. Big Mike's nephew, Rob Schottland, spent time tracking down his uncle's telescope after it was donated to Perkins Observatory in Ohio. “Big Mike bought the telescope in 1940,” said Rob. “It was a major instrument and was housed in an observatory on the property.” He found that it was first donated to the Perkins Observatory of Ohio Wesleyan University and was then given to Lowell Observatory in Arizona. According to Rob Schottland, the telescope was refurbished and became an “asteroid hunter." In honor of Mr. Schottland’s love of astronomy, the Schottland family has arranged for an asteroid to be named in his honor at a special ceremony at Piedmont Arts. $50 per guest