Museum of Contemporary Art’s Bohemian Bash Celebrates Creativity
Over 800 celebrated cutting-edge creativity at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Bohemian Bash fundraiser. Chaired and sponsored by Barbara Herzberg and Alan and Diane Lieberman the imaginative evening was inspired by the Dadaist art movement that embraced the role of the unconventional and the absurd in the artistic process. With additional support from Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, King Jewelers, Riviera South Beach Luxe Hotel , Dr. Shulamit and Chaim Katzman and Ray Ellen and Allan Yarkin, proceeds will benefit the museum’s exhibitions, education programs and permanent collection.
Miami artists Kevin Arrow, Bhakti Baxter, Beatrice Monteavaro and Wendy Wischer, worked with event planners The Design Group and lighting designer Dave Walters of All Access, AVL, to transform MOCA’s galleries into surreal settings with surprise entertainment. Avant-garde films projected on oversized white balloons covering the ceiling were the first indication that the evening was going to be like none other. While enjoying cocktails from Grey Goose Vodka and wines from Touch Catering, guests sauntered into the Upside Down Room where furniture dangled from the ceiling and dueling quartets from FIU School of Music played, while in the next gallery, artist Nicole Soden performed a sultry burlesque shadow dance. Staged throughout the party were dancers in costumes designed by Carol Adrianza who took her inspiration from Salvatore Dali’s 1939 installation Dream of Venus, creating handmade bustiers and lace tops with tuille tutus and body suits adorned with pearls and shells. Outside in Paradise Courtyard, psychics from The Gypsy Tea Room read tarot cards for the partygoers.
Donning their best Bohemian Chic were MOCA Director and Chief Curator Bonnie Clearwater, Bohemian Bash Honorary Chair Belkys Nerey, MOCA Board Chairman Michael Collins and wife Sandy, MOCA Board President and Bohemian Bash sponsors Ray Ellen Yarkin and husband Allan, sponsors and MOCA Trustee Shulamit and Chaim Katzman, MOCA Board Chair Emeritus Irma Braman, Janice Lipton, Jason and Haley
Binn, Channing Norton and Glenna and Nigel Norton, Dr. Sanford Ziff, Marty Margulies and Constance Collins, and North Miami Mayor Andre Pierre.
The fabulous array of culinary treats included select hors d’oeuvres such as Sardinas alla Planca prepared on site by Chef Marc Vidal from Solea at W South Beach, and Lobster Stew by Ken Lyons of The Cape Cod Room. Shiraz Catering served chilled soups, spicy shrimp and passed hors d’oeuvres, while Le Basque provided steaming dishes of lentils and oxtails. Adriana’s Restaurant, and Kung Fu Sushi and Kitchen also offered delicious samples and delectable black and white desserts from We Take The Cake were opulently displayed in the Op Art Room.
The Silent Auction featured many unique items such as a Epiphone Guitar autographed by Barry Gibb and special experiences such as a dinner party prepared by Michael Schwartz of Michael’s Genuine, a cruise on ResidenSea’s The World and a trip to Paris with VIP seats to the Givenchy Spring Fashion Show
The fun continued late into the night hours at an after-party at SET Nightclub on Lincoln Road.
