The Museum of Arts and Design and Clé de Peau Beauté Honor Lindsey Adelman at the Young Patrons Gala
Forbes Magazine
Barry SamahaRomantic florals may not be the most original theme for a spring event, but it was certainly apropos for a benefit held last night at the Bohemian Benevolent & Literary Association by the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD). The institution celebrated its annual Young Patrons Gala, which honored Lindsey Adelman—a designer who is renowned for her effervescent light fixtures fashioned after cherry blossoms.
"I own a few of her pieces, personally," said Mike De Paola, a trustee of the museum and the brainchild of the Young Patrons Gala. "They're just so organic, natural, pleasing to the eye. The way she works with glass, brass; all sorts of materials—its just exquisite.
"Lindsey's work is very light and airy, and I think the crisp flowers and theme is a nice correlation," added Shari Siadat Loeffler, a co-chair of the event. "It makes us appreciate the delicate things."
The evening was magical and serene, and dutifully played into the soiree's title, En Plein Air. The décor—complete with a stage modeled after the pastoral exuberance of the French countryside (swing included), an entryway with a lush floral arch, rows of tables lined with garlands, and napkins adorned with a small bouquet of lavender—was truly a site to behold.
"It's a gorgeous setting," said Adelman. "I think their interpretation of the theme is spot on. I love the rawness. I love how they are humble flowers.
Indeed, garnering a youthful crowd, and making them aware of the Museum of Arts and Design, is the overriding objective for the fête. "The Young Patrons Gala started because MAD wanted to cultivate a younger gathering involved in art and design," explained Loeffler. "By instituting this four years ago, and building it year after year, they've been able to curate the correct group of people from [the worlds of] fashion, interior design, architecture and fine art. It's a really about attracting a 35-year-old-and-under crowd that would hopefully get inspired to be a new breed of patrons."
To be sure, when the time came, the "correct group" got inspired. After everyone took to their seats, Bettina Prentice—the mistress of ceremonies and mastermind behind the whole affair—reminded all that this was a fundraiser, and that there were a few works of art up for auction, including Adelman's "Cherry Bomb Fringe." She then asked everyone who intended to pledge a donation to raise their hands. And sure enough, arms started leaping into the air one right after another. Evidently, supporting the arts has become fashionable for the budding art benefactors. As De Paola remarked earlier that evening: "Who better than the younger patron to know what's hot out there."