Bass Museum of Art’s “A Night At The Museum”
Annual Fundraiser Was a Night to Remember
Over 450 patrons of The Bass Museum of Art turned out on March 11 for A Night at the Museum: A Film Noir Experience, the museum’s annual fundraiser, and oh what a night it was! As soon as guests passed the dramatic Hollywood premiere-style searchlights and walked the red carpet, they knew they were in for a special evening.
Chairs Criselda Breene, Diane Lieberman and Soledad Pićon conveyed the Film Noir theme by transforming the galleries into misty streetscapes and retro lounges. Surrounded by projections of classic Hollywood crime dramas, guests savored GREY GOOSE Vodka specialty cocktails “Noir Fete” and “Cinema de Museo” and Chateau D’Esclans rosé “Whispering Angel.” Partygoers sampled the STK Miami tasty bites of braised short ribs, tuna tartar, beef tartar and ceviche. Afterwards, they snapped up the to-die-for desserts – quinoa cocoa granola, dulce mousse and chocolate genoise – provided by Chef Kris Wessel of Oolite Restaurant and Bar. Crema/Illy Coffee’s barista served up custom coffees.
The highlight of the evening was the suspenseful Paddle8 auction of 22 works of contemporary art. Guests were bidding against one another and online mystery buyers right up to the final second. Emmett Moore, Cristina Lei Rodriguez, Typoe and Agustina Woodgate who were among the artists who donated some of the coveted works, followed the auction closely. President of the Board, George Lindemann, and Bass Museum Executive Director Silvia Karman Cubiñá, agreed that the museum was the true winner in the end, with 21 of the 22 lots sold.
Throughout the night, guests had fun striking poses for the “Best Film Noir Photo” contest. The winners – WPBT’s Art Loft host Kayln James and husband, TV producer Rico James, took home a basket of GREY GOOSE Vodka in six flavors and a box of Montecristo cigars. Some partygoers drew their inspiration from the exhibition One Way: Peter Marino while others used props from the All Access Photo Booth.
Partygoers included City of Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Greico and wife Christine Klingspor, Bass Museum of Art Board members Hugh Bush, Clara Bullrich, Brian Ehrlich, Lisa Heiden-Koffler, Ali Matlick, Laura Paresky-Gould and husband Eric, Tom Murphy and wife Suzanne, Lidia Rodriguez-Taseff and husband Oscar, and Richard Toledo. Others in attendance included Susan and Dennis Richards, Ray Breslin, Hal Phillips and Greg Kendall, Yolanda and Jeff Berkowitz, Jessica and Elliot Dornbusch, Lydia Harrison and Bass Museum Director Emeritus Diane Camber.
A Night at the Museum Chairs Criselda Breene, Diane Lieberman and Soledad Pićon worked closely with Vice Chairs Malena Assing, Luli Ballestrin, Adrienne bon Haes, Tina Carlo, Sabrina Espinosa, Elysze Held, Carolina Lanao, Tatyana Silva, Adriana Vergara and Alexa Wolman to create the memorable event.
Support for A Night at the Museum was provided by Tui Lifestyle, Paddle8, Miami Herald/El Nuevo Herald, DJ Mauricio Parra and All Access Photo Booth. Food and beverages were provided by Chateau D’Esclans, GREY GOOSE Vodka, STK Miami, Oolite Restaurant and Bar, Perrier and Crema/Illy Coffee.
