Photos: Fundraiser Rakes in Big Bucks for the Laguna Art Museum

Laguna Art Museum’s 2013 Palette to Palate fundraiser, which took place at the museum May 10, grossed approximately $190,000—the museum’s most successful Palette to Palate to date. This is $40,000 more than in 2012. The museum expects to net $125,000 for its education and exhibition programs.

Now in its eighth year, Palette to Palate at Laguna Art Museum has become one of Orange County’s  most anticipated art and dining experiences. The museum transformed into a beautiful and unique venue, featuring the culinary talents of Chef Craig Strong of Studio at Montage Laguna Beach, and the highly acclaimed wines of Copain Wines from Healdsberg.

The wine and cuisine were complemented by the work of ten artists, presented at each of the dining tables and throughout the museum’s largest gallery space.

The 2013 participating artists were Joshua Dildine, Anthony Foo, Danny Heller, Kiel Johnson, Todd Kenyon, David Kiddie, Mary-Austin Klein, Christopher Martin, Chris Richter, and Brittany M. Ryan. Each artist joined guests for dinner at the table they created, with all of their work available for purchase.

In addition to art, the evening featured a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, drinks, a violinist, and a gourmet cheese display by Studio at Montage, Laguna Beach; a four-course meal prepared by Chef Strong at the museum; a live auction featuring items and packages donated by Roberto Cavalli, Corum, Casas de Santa Fe, Santa Fe Opera, Copain Wines, h2hotel, and Studio at Montage; and gift bags with goodies from Studio at Montage, Madison Square & Garden Cafe, Michelle Haut Chocolat, and the Spice Merchants. Additional sponsors included HOM | Sotheby’s International Reality, formdécor, and Riviera magazine.

Led by the Palette to Palate 2013 committee Peter Blake, Chuck Fry, Sue Greenwood, Sheldon Harte, Robert Hayden III, Bob Hayes, Patricia Houston, Jon Madison, Elyse Caraco Miller, Laura Rohl, Jennifer Segerstrom, Marnie Wall, and Laguna Art Museum’s Director of Special Events Sarah Strozza, Palette to Palate has become a major annual fundraiser for the museum’s education and exhibition programs.

The committee worked closely with local galleries who represent the participating artists. These galleries were Christopher Martin Gallery, George Billis Gallery, Mark Moore Gallery, purelaguanbeach gallery, SCAPE, and Sue Greenwood Fine Art.

STORY SUBMITTED BY LAGUNA ART MUSEUM