The New Crocker Fundraising Gala, which celebrates this “masterpiece in the making,” takes place on Saturday, September 25, 2010.
Click here for an invitation.
The Gala begins at 6 pm with an opening reception in Friedman Court and new courtyard. Fine dining will take place from 7:30 to 9 pm in tented dining pavilions in Crocker Park . At 9 pm the orchestra will draw attendees back to the Museum for desserts and dancing. Ceremonial gallery openings begin at 9:30 pm and will feature the debut of two new collections: African and Oceanic art as well as a host of premiere exhibitions.
The $100 million capital campaign to fund the Crocker Art Museum expansion is the largest fundraising effort conducted for a cultural cause in Sacramento . In celebration of the completion of the Museum, and to facilitate the final $8 million needed to complete the campaign, the Board of Trustees, major donors, and museum staff will present the completed New Crocker, for the first time, for one memorable gala evening.
The Gala is chaired by Bobbe Brown. Honorary co-chairs are Marcy and Mort Friedman and Joyce and James Teel. Brown states, “The capital campaign has been a true community effort, involving extensive public and private participation. Everyone who has contributed to the campaign has a passionate desire to bring world-class art experiences to the community and its many visitors. There is a great sense of joy in being a part of making the Crocker a true destination.” The 125,000-square-foot expansion, the Teel Family Pavilion, designed by Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects (GSAA) more than triples the Museum’s current size and creates extensive new gallery space, four art studio spaces, an auditorium, a café, a redesigned Museum store, expanded library and onsite art conservation and art storage facilities.
The Museum’s inaugural exhibitions will showcase its current collection and promised gifts in collecting areas including California Impressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Asian art, and ceramics. The Crocker will also present a series of special exhibitions, among them A Pioneering Collection: Master Drawings from the Crocker Art Museum; Tomorrow’s Legacies: Gifts Celebrating the Next 125 Years; Wayne Thiebaud: Homecoming; and The Vase and Beyond: The Sidney Swidler Collection of Ceramics. With extraordinary art, dancing and music throughout the night, fine dining and wines–all in the New Crocker–this will be an unforgettable premiere event.
The evening’s enticing edibles will be provided by Paula Le Duc Catering. Decorative elements will be supplied by Got Light?, Classique Party Rentals, and Twigg’s Florals. Marcus Graziano, owner of Capitol Cellars in Roseville , is acquiring donations of wines for the dinner from some of California ’s finest boutique wineries.
The Gala is sponsored by U.S. Bank, Marcy and Mort Friedman, Murphy Austin Adams Schoenfeld LLP, Rudolph and Sletten, Inc., AT&T, Mercedes-Benz Von Housen Automotive Group and Nordstrom.
Committee members include Sharon Anapolsky, Ede Brandenburger, Regan Durst, Joy Gough, Lori Hawk, Karen Himick, Muriel Johnson, Lainie Josephson, Oleta Lambert, Kay Lehr, Kathy McKim, Linda Merksamer, Bobbi Nathanson, Teri Niello, Dr. Viva Ettin Rader, Beth Ruyak, Susan Savage, Susie Stuart, Paulette Trainor, Janet Rollofson, Marilyn Wickland, Joseph Wilson, Jennie Teel-Wolter and Sarah Zeff.
To purchase tickets or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact the museum at (916) 808-7843. The Crocker Art Museum will have a free grand opening for the public October 10, 2010.
The Crocker Art Museum is located at 216 O Street in Downtown Sacramento. The Museum is closed to the public for renovation from June 7 thru October 9, 2010. For more information, please call (916) 808-7000 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.
