MOCA’s POP 8½ La Dolce Vita
Fellini-Themed Fundraiser Help Museum Acquire New Works
When it comes to contemporary art, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in North Miami is one of the country’s leading institutions. Under the direction of Bonnie Clearwater, MOCA has acquired a prolific permanent collection that highlights international works as well as pieces from emerging Miami artists, some of whom rise to international acclaim. A portion of the funds for acquiring new works is raised at MOCA’s annual POP party.
“Money raised at POP goes into MOCA’s acquisition fund,” says Clearwater, “and the funds raised allow us to buy works for the collection as soon as they become available. We’ve always been very committed to Miami artists. We also look for international works. We just purchased a piece at Art Basel by an Albanian artist with POP money. Right now we have Enoc Perez on display at MOCA’s Goldman Warehouse, and his work was purchased last year with POP money.”
Now in its fifth year, this year’s POP takes place on February 9 and is entitled POP 8½ La Dolce Vita. Tickets are $150 per person and $175 if purchased after January 31. The Fellini-themed event was coordinated with the support of the Fellini Foundation and will capture the joyous and surreal aesthetic of this 20th century master, while making certain that fun remains of primary importance.
“I’ve already picked out my outfit,” explains Clearwater. “I’m going to wear a black cocktail dress from the early 1960s. Everyone is encouraged to come in costume that reflects the Fellini theme. We want POP to be the most dynamic fundraiser of the season.”
Hosted by MOCA’s Patron Executive Committee, POP 8½ La Dolce Vita is chaired by Lourdes Jofre-Collet and Susan Zarchen. Chefs from Sonesta Hotels & Resorts, Nikki Beach Coconut Grove and the Italian restaurant BICE, will provide a fabulous selection of Italian cucina while wine flows freely.
Landmarks immortalized in some of Fellini’s most beloved films will be recreated at the museum as partygoers will be transported to a world where amore and excitement prevail. A life size Trevi Fountain created by artist Pablo Cano will be available for any free spirit who wants to take a dip (paparazzi standing by!). DJ Shlomi and DJ Hot Pants will keep the dance floor packed, and MOCA’s favorite diva Adora will perform as everyone celebrates the good things in life.
“There is no generation gap at the POP events,” says Jofre-Collet. “People from all different age groups and cultures come and enjoy the evening. This year we have a very special La Dolce Vita Club for POP donors of $5000 or more. The private lounge will have a concierge wait staff, the finest champagne and gourmet food, and exclusive silent auction items.”
This is Jofre-Collet’s fifth year with MOCA and second year co-chairing POP. Clearwater beams when her name is mentioned. “Lourdes is exactly what you want in a co-chair. She’s incredibly charming, not afraid to ask people for help and comes up with incredible creative ideas on how to raise money.”
“I simply ask people for gifts for MOCA,” says Jofre-Collet. “It’s amazing what can happen if you simply ask. Sometimes people don’t know that you need help unless you ask, and the worst that can happen is that people say ‘no’ – and that’s okay. But I have no problem asking on behalf of MOCA. This is a vibrant space with great energy, and POP is the most fun. It’s like having a party at my house where everyone has a grand old time no matter what their age.”
One of Jofre-Collet’s biggest contributions has been her ability to obtain exceptional silent auction items, which include fabulous lifestyle and travel packages, cruises and exclusive fashion events. Some of these items include a custom cruise to the destination of your choice, the use of a 2008 Mazzerati, a VIP trip to New York’s Armory Show, and a commissioned portrait by Enoc Perez. All of the silent auction items can be viewed and bid upon online at www.mocanomi.cmarket.com.
Another large contribution by Jofre-Collet is her work with the Fellini Foundation. “I spent a day immersing myself in Fellini through the eyes of the Foundation. I spoke to Fellini’s executive secretary and he provided me with great insight on the man – so complex, such a genius. That experience gave me the knowledge on how to come back to MOCA and effectively incorporate Fellini into POP.”
To purchase tickets to POP, call 305-893-6211, ext. 33 or 37, or visit www.mocanomi.org and click on POP 8½. Last year’s POP 007 was attended by more than 800 revelers. Attendance this year is expected to reach maximum capacity so partygoers are encouraged to get their tickets now!
Aaron Glickman is a creator/producer native to Miami. He has worked in South Florida media for the past 15 years documenting a regional transformation predicated on art and design. His digital media platform, www.Current.Miami, tells hyper-local stories through the use of video.
From 2007 to 2016, Aaron was the publisher of SocialMiami.com, a society-driven digital media platform. During that period, Aaron created content-driven strategies with many of the region’s most prestigious brands and institutions. He also served on boards and committees for several non-profits.
In 2017, Aaron produced and directed the feature-length documentary Miami Basel: Art’s Winter Playground. The film tells the story of Art Basel’s influence on Miami. Its world premiere in 2019 at the Miami Film Festival.
Prior to working in media, Aaron was a union stage actor. He studied Shakespeare in London and was a six-year member of Theatricum Botanicum, a classical theater company located in Topanga Canyon, California. In 2016, Aaron returned to the stage to tackle the role of Richard Sherman in “The Seven Year Itch” and is currently doing voice-over work for NBC.
