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San Diego Museum of Art's 'Art Alive' Blooms with Inspiration

“Art Alive is the primary annual fundraiser for SDMA and its many public programs. This year nearly 100 floral designers collaborated with the museum to re-interpret great works of art for an audience that appreciates great creative work. ”

- Derrick Cartright, the San Diego Museum of Art's Maruja Baldwin Director

The San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park celebrated 27 years of its very popular Art Alive with a series of very popular events. Thursday April 12th, 2008 kicked off the members' VIP preview. This well attended event provided a first peak at nearly 100 floral designers interpretations of the museum's masterpieces. Friday started with a 'must see' floral demonstration by renown floral artist Jeff Leatham. Jeff Leatham is the Artistic Director of the very posh Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris. He also has quite the following among the high society international sorts with a grand measure of celebrities too.

Friday continued with the Lily Luncheon at The Prado's Grand Ballroom. Guests enjoyed a light lunch, and perusing coveted fashions by Saks Fifth Avenue. Meanwhile the public streamed into the museum to see the floral interpretations.

Saturday brought two big events. A master class by Jeff Leatham followed later by the Art Alive Gala. The theme was Paris in the Park Gala. And Gala it was. VIP members arrived early for a champagne reception which soon grew to capacity as guests gathered for the party.

Honorary Chairs Tom Gildred, Elizabeth Gildred MacVean and Anne Gildred Simmons were among the many enjoying the fete of fine food and floral arrangements.

Exceptional floral artists' works displayed were many including those by Beverly Ireland of Jasmine Creek Florist, Aja Wood of Neiman Marcus, Chieko Whitter of Sogetsu School of Ikebana, Linda Stanton of Crown Garden Club of Coronado, Margaret Cook and Kathy Walsh of the Point Loma Garden Club, Eduardo Verdi of Botanica, and Hiroko Szechinski of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana.

Catered cuisine was provided by many fine San Diego purveyors including Chuao, Celadon, The French Gourmet, Laurel, The Prado Restaurant, TK&A Custom Catering, Mosaic Catering of San Diego, and Vigilucci's.

Martha and George Gafford were the John M. and Sally B. Thornton Rotunda sponsors, Pam and Jerry Cesak were Floral Demonstration Sponsors, and the Signature Sponsor was Audrey Geisel of the Dr. Seuss Fund at The San Diego Foundation.

On hand for some or all of the floral fun were Liz McCullough, Susan and Richard Ulevitch, Royce Campbell, Kim Biehl of Saks Fifth Avenue, Jim Lennox of Pacific Event Productions, Brenda Marsh-Rebello and John Rebello, Julie and Dale Yahnke, Susan and Bob Blanchard, Lisa Westhem Harrison, Barbara ZoBell, Kate Adams, SDMA President, Board of Trustees, Pam Cesak, Betsy Manchester, Katy and Mike Dessent, Maree Mossmer, the John Evey's, and Judy White.

Derrick Cartright, the San Diego Museum of Art's Maruja Baldwin Director summed up Art Alive thusly.“Art Alive is the primary annual fundraiser for SDMA and its many public programs. This year nearly 100 floral designers collaborated with the museum to re-interpret great works of art for an audience that appreciates great creative work.  For many of the more than 10,000 people who participated in the programs over the course of 4 days, this may be the only time that they visit an art museum all year.  By providing a lively display of temporary floral designs, we hope we can encourage everyone in San Diego to take advantage of the museum throughout the year—its exhibitions, its unparalleled educational opportunities, a fantastic permanent collection shown in an up-lifting creative context.  My colleagues and I are proud of the results of this year’s Art Alive celebration, and we certainly look forward to next year’s events as a chance to make the 28th Annual Art Alive even better still."

And we look forward to Art Alive 2008 and all of the wonderful SDMA events in between!

Enjoy the photos!

Richard and Susan Ulevitch

Security and Peggy Matthews

Heather from the Simic Gallery of La Jolla ** Guests

Bob and Susan Blanchard ** Derrick Cartwright

Golda Akhgarnia with Derrick Cartwright ** Liz McCullough and Martha Gadford

Guest ** Jay Sato with Guest

Susan Ulevitch ** The John Evey's

Derrick Cartwright ** Guest with Derrick Cartwright

Maree Mossmer and friends with Derrick Cartwright

Jim Lennox ** Shari Sanchez and Kim Biehl of Saks Fifth Avenue

Guests

Lisa Westhem Harrison with Guests ** Carla Rehm

Barbara ZoBell with Kate Adams ** Betsy Manchester

Doreen Schonbrun ** Royce Campbell

Art Alive Co-Chair Tom Gildred with Jon Webb of Saks Fifth Avenue

To learn more about the exciting San Diego Museum of Art, it's exhibition and events schedule please visit www.sdmart.org

reported by Margo Schwab in Lily Pulitzer strapless & a pair of Dior Sunglasses from SAKS, accompanied by Maree Mossmer on the left

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* Margo Schwab, formally known as Margaret E. Schwab, has produced, written, interviewed and photographed for various media organizations since 1989. Schwab attended Holton Arms School, La Jolla Country Day School and La Jolla High School. Schwab has a B.A. from Scripps College, spent a business internship with S.A.I.C., Science Applications International Corporation, and earned a Masters of Business degree, M.B.A., from the University of San Diego. Schwab volunteers for numerous charity organizations. She also continues to support animal organizations and the prevention of people and animal abuse. Schwab is the editor of The Social Diary.

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