Vivanista recently caught up with event chair, Capera Ryan to get the inside scoop on the fabulous fundraiser.

Describe the AFA’s upcoming gala in a few sentences… What makes the event unique?

This is a very special evening where guests are able to celebrate artists and others in the art world who are making a difference. The American Federation of the Arts has a wonderful history of honoring not only the artists but those who support and lead in the art world.

How many years has the event been in existence?

The AFA was founded over 100 years ago and has been supporting its programming through many different events—with the annual gala being the major event. The Gala was first hosted at the Metropolitan Club in 1979, and because of the wonderful following of patrons, artists and leaders in the art world we have been able to continue to recognize and encourage the accomplishments of some of the most talented and committed individuals.

Who are this year’s honorees?

Our honorees are the performance artist Marina Abramovic and the Director of the National Gallery, Earl A. Powell III, and we’re thrilled to be honoring them both. Abramovic’s work includes interventions and sound pieces, video works, installations, photographs, solo performances, and collaborative performances, and she is considered one of the most extraordinary and challenging artists of our time. Powell has a long and extremely distinguished history in the arts and has overseen an amazing array of projects at the National Gallery

The Honorary Chair, Elizabeth “Betty” Blake, is a longtime patron of the arts and a dear friend to me. She has been a resident of Dallas since the 1940s and lived in Newport, RI, almost every summer of her life. She has been a major advocate of modern and contemporary artists, and collecting works of art is her great passion. At 95, she is an inspiration to all those who have an interests in making a difference in the arts and nurturing the wonderful opportunities for artists, institutions, and patrons.

Proceeds from the evening will support AFA. Can you tell us a bit about the organization and how it contributes to the community?

The American Federation of the Arts is a nonprofit institution that organizes art exhibitions for presentation in museums around the world, publishes exhibition catalogues, and develops educational materials and programs.

How many participants are you expecting?

It is wonderful as we have over 150 guests joining us from all over the world.

Is this an open event? If so, how much are tickets, and what percentage of proceeds will go to AFA?

This is an open event and tickets range from $15,000 to $350. All the proceeds from the gala will go toward AFA exhibitions, lectures, catalogs, and educational programs.

What has been one of the biggest challenges in planning the event so far?

The three co-chairs are all very involved in the planning for the gala, and being the chair from Dallas it is always a challenge to coordinate calls and schedules.

What external resources have you used in your fundraising/outreach efforts?

We have used all of the above. We live in a time where we have information coming at us in all directions, and that is the best way to get in front of our audience.

What characteristics do you think make an event chair successful?

Commitment to the cause, passion, enthusiasm, wonderful and supportive friends, a true vision of what needs to be accomplished, and delegating the carrying out of all the details to capable people.

What are you wearing to the event?

I am wearing a Cartier necklace given to me by my grandmother and a black Michael Kors satin dress.

What is your fundraising motto?

“Passion, enthusiasm, great friends, and a vision make anything possible!”

Phoebe Cowles, Robert Girard, Rose-Marie van Otterloo and Eijk van Otterloo

The exhibition, which is now on view until October at the Legion of Honor, is considered “the most extraordinary private collection of Old Master paintings formed anywhere in the last 50 years,” (Melikian, NY Times). First revealed to the public at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, the nearly seventy paintings are extraordinary, and depict the Dutch Republic in its Golden Age.

Nils van Otterloo, Nicole van Otterloo, Paula Schultz and Frank Schultz

From charming landscapes to captivating portraits, the exhibit captures an interesting array of scenes from Holland in the 17th century, one of the richest artistic and cultural chapters in history. Rembrandt, Frans Hals and Hendrick Avercamp are only a few of the talented artists whose work is currently on display.

Rose-Marie van Otterloo, Robert Girard, Eijk van Otterloo and Bob Bransten

About the Legion of Honor

The Legion of Honor displays a collection of 4,000 years of ancient and European art in an exquisite Beaux-Arts building in an unforgettable setting overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco’s most beautiful public museum is located in Lincoln Park at 100 34th Avenue (at Clement Street).

The Dutch and Flemish Paintings Exhibition will be on display until October 2, 2011.

See more event photos below.

Robert Johnson, Christel Heinelt and Burgess Jamieson

Sander van Otterloo, Lynda Hartigan and Hoyt van Otterloo

Mona Skager and Loren Aufdenkamp

Loren Aufdenkamp, Anita Weissberg, James Noe and Mona Skager

Guitty Azarpay, Lynda Hartigan and Karina Corrigan

Frank Schultz, Robert Girard and Paula Schultz

Lynda Hartigan and Libby Jamieson

Anita Weissberg and Lynn Orr

Ana Colmenero, Hoyt van OtterlooÂ

Karina Corrigan, Eijk van Otterloo and Paula Schultz

Nancy Conner, Gretchen Kimball

Lucy Buchanan and Christel Heinelt

Eijk van Otterloo and Peter Fairbanks

Photos courtesy of Drew Altizer

Lisa Salamone, Bette McKenzie (Co-Chairs)

The event kicked off with a cocktail party and silent auction followed by a live auction lead by PatrickMeade of Bonhams & Butterfields and a show at 8:00 p. m. featuring a select group of exquisite designs. Delectable cuisine and creative cocktails were offered by top San Francisco restaurants and vendors.

This annual event brings fashion and compassion together by uniting Bay Area professional designers and fashion students with the important mission of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco. It all started in 2005, when then Help Desk Director, Sally Rosen, found herself facing a pile of unusable donated clothing, torn and stained. She began to think of recycling; imagining how these discarded garments could be remade into something new and useful. She invited designers to take the discarded clothing and create wearable works of art and exquisite home décor, thus Discarded to Divine was born.

Laura Beckham, Karen Passalacqua, Paula Christopher, Megan Beckham

Continuing with tradition, this year’s designers were inspired by items in the de Young Museum’s collection.  New this year, runway designers participated in the live show pantomiming their creative process with the model on stage – adding and extra level of drama and fanfare to the show. Some of the show stopping items included a gold opera coat, skirt and cast-off computer chip top ensemble by Melissa Panages, a modernized Russian peasant coat with colorful floral appliqués by Olga Shor Design Studio and a “Chihuahua Day Jacket” that went for $450 by Marianne Pearson, modeled by Biggie, the cutest (and best dressed) dog ever.

The highest live auction bid came from a stunning lavender hand dyed “Ombre Coat” by Jill Girodano and Brian Scheyer of gr.dano inspired by their sometimes chilly drive over the Golden Gate Bridge. Other notable designers included Christopher Collins, Cari Borja, Sweet P, Miranda Caroligne, artist Hansine Goran and Wesley Ito of 78RPM as well as student participants from the Academy of Art University, FIDM, San Francisco State University and the California College of the Arts.

The event would not have been possible without the following sponsors – who gave generously: Gap Inc., Gensler, 7×7, California Home & Design, FIJI Water, SKYY Vodka, Robert Mondavi Private Reserve, Knights Catering, McCune Audio Visual and many others.  All proceeds from Discarded to Divine benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco’s programs enriching our community by providing an essential safety net for thousands of men, women and children working to overcome poverty, homelessness, addition and domestic violence.

Arlene Roberton, Lisa Frudden, Marty La Plante

Bonnie Phair, Joe Phair, Tamara Johnston, Ramon Fliek

Karl Young, Mike Goran, Garth Leerer

All photos: by Drew Altizer

Erin Cowan, Shannon Bavaro

The opening featured the works of the renowned Belgian artist, Isabelle de Borchgrave along with some of the world’s most notable art collectors and social figures. Guests were invited to preview Isabelle’s work while sipping the world’s finest tequila, Casa Dragones.

See Additional Event Images Below.

Mark Rhoades, David Nash

Ed Miller, Rita Bral (Consul General of Belgium)

Dennita Sewell, Tatiana Sorokko, David Nash

Luba Troyanovsky, Serge Sorokko, Tatiana Sorokko

John Hadeed, Shaun Lor

Peter Semiraro, Chris Miller, Derek Mazar

Melissa Wagner, Steve Reeter, David Nash

Claudia Ross, Denise Hale, Heather Hanson

Nick Walker, John Caruso

All photos courtesy of Drew Altizer.

Atmosphere

Over 350 guests congregated for an enchanting opening evening. Cocktails in the museum’s main atrium, Wilsey Court, began at 7 pm with exhibition viewing upstairs in the de Young’s Textile Wing.  A three-course, sit-down dinner held in a transparent tent behind the museum began at approximately 8:30 pm. Remarks were given by Diane B. Wilsey, board president of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco during the appetizer course. John E. Buchanan Jr., director of museums of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and guest curator Hamish Bowles presented remarks during dessert.  The seven-member troop Archangel Flamenco of Seville, Spain, performed after dessert. An after party in the museum’s Piazzoni Murals Room continued the evening until 1 am.

This exhibit will be displayed through July 4, 2011. Get down to San Franciso’s de Young Museum and see the magic for yourself.

See Additional Event Images Below.

Miranda Kerr, Orlanda Bloom

Rose Fisher, Doris Fisher, Emma Fisher

Hamish Bowles

Serena Perkins, Kate Harbin

David Shimmon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Mary Beth Shimmon

Laura James Finn, David Spencer, John Buchanan

Connie Nielsen, Vanessa Getty, Maria Bello

Catherine Bettis, Kate Chung, Troy Griepp, Angelique Griepp

Ryan Hastings, Mia Wasikowska

Susan Dunlevy, Karen Caldwell

Lindsay Bolton, Suzanne Levit, Elizabeth Varnell

Atmosphere

Leigh Matthes, Kelsey Lamond

Photos courtesy of Drew Altizer.

Jonah Lehrer

This year the forum was honored to have scientific prodigy Jonah Lehrer speak. As the best selling author of Proust Was a Neuroscientist and How We Decide, Lehrer fascinated the audience with his proposal of fusing science and art to better understand and advance human culture and reasoning. His unique perspective explores creativity from a scientific perspective for a theory that is truly refreshing.

See Additional Event Images Below.

Amy Regan, Gail Reitano

Linda Goodman, Diana Miller

Kerry Headington, Geoff Headinton, Richard Winefield

Jonah Lehrer, Richard Winefield

Joseph Chong, Linda Chong, Ken Horne, Jennifer Yen

Belinda Wood, Michelle Patterson

Kasey O'Connell, Jumee Park, Elizabeth Stokes

Geoff Headington, Kerry Headington

All photos courtesy of Drew Altizer.

Performance

Marking the beginning of the Year of the Rabbit, the gala kicked-off a three day art show featuring more than 60 art dealers. The evening began with children celebrating the new year with songs and music, stilt walking, juggling, and lion dancing. Miss Asian America pageant members, including Miss Asia California, welcomed guests to a champagne and caviar reception followed by a impressive buffet with special Chinese New Year dishes, catered by McCall Associates.

See Additional Event Images Below.

Brendan Joyce, Victoria Pham

Performance

Arielle Andreis, Ralph Hertelendy

Natasha Reichle, Dessa Goddard

Jim Marver, Josie Howard

Fred Levin, Nancy Livingston, Diane Anderson, Frank Caufield

Lee Chinalai, Chad Chinalai, Laurence Paul

Cynthia Schuman Banks, Dan Banks, Kathy Bissinger

Joan Vinson, Jerry Yang

All photos courtesy of Jami Witek

The Credentials: San Francisco Ballet presented Nite Out, spectacular dance in excellent company. February-April the San Francisco Ballet invited enthusiasts to three evenings of world-class dance followed by an exclusive post performance reception with cocktails courtesy of Grey Goose Vodka. For more information check out the website at sfballet.org/niteout.

Enjoy one, two, or all three Friday performances in February, March, and April. Ranging from one of ballet’s most classical works, Giselle, to a world premiere by one of the contemporary dance world’s most gifted choreographers, Christopher Wheeldon, there’s something for everyone.

• Friday, February 4: Giselle - See photos below!
• Friday, March 4: Program 3 – Mixed Bill
• Friday, April 8: Program 7 – Mixed Bill

Tim Coleman, Kirk Marlow

David Laudin, Randy Laroche

Thomas Horn, Ruthie Robbins, David Robbins

Ashianna Esmail, Heather Littlejohn

Emily Nakashima, Frances Bell, Debbie Koski, Bianca Kaprielian

Remy Mertz, Brian Gougherty, Gabriel Duncan, Jessica Buendia, Franchesca Allen

Photo Credit: Moanalani Jeffrey

The Contemporary Jewish Museum presented Curious George Saves the Day: The Art of Margret and H. A. Rey, an exhibition of nearly 80 original drawings that reveal a dramatic story of escape and survival.

Artist Ken Goldberg and his family.

The Story:

Curious George, the impish monkey protagonist of many adventures may never have seen the light of day were it not for the determination and courage of his creators: illustrator H. A. Rey (1898-1977) and his wife, author and artist, Margret Rey (1906-1996).  They were both born in Hamburg, Germany, to Jewish families and lived together in Paris from 1936 to 1940.  Hours before the Nazis marched into the city in June 1940, the Reys fled on bicycles carrying drawings for their children’s stories including one about a mischievous monkey, then named Fifi.  Not only did the Reys save their animal characters, but they were saved by their illustrations when authorities found them in their belongings.  This may explain why saving the day after a narrow escape became the premise of most of their Curious George stories.

After their fateful escape from Paris and a four-month journey across France, Spain, Portugal, and Brazil, the couple settled in New York in the fall of 1940.  In all, the Reys authored and illustrated over 30 books, most of them for children, with seven of them starring Curious George.  Seventy years after the arrival of Curious George in America, the monkey’s antics have been translated into over a dozen languages, including Hebrew and Yiddish, to the delight of readers, young and old, around the world.

Curious George Saves the Day: The Art of Margret and H. A. Rey was organized by The Jewish Museum, New York. Most of the art and documentation in the exhibition was lent by the de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection, McCain Library and Archives, The University of Southern Mississippi.

CJM Board Member Elliot Felson, CJM Director Connie Wolf, and CJM Board Member Alan Mark.

About the Exhibition:

The exhibition at the Contemporary Jewish Museum offers visitors a rare opportunity to view nearly 80 original drawings and vibrant watercolors of Curious George and other characters. Many of these works have never been displayed before.  Preparatory dummy books, vintage photographs, and documentation related to the Reys’ escape from Nazi Europe, such as H. A. Rey’s journals detailing the couple’s perilous journey to freedom, are also included.

“Top Chef Just Desserts” winner Yigit Pura.

CJM Board Member and 2010 Family Gala Co-Chair Sam Hamilton and her family

The Credentials: Together they hosted a private shopping event and champagne toast to kick off the celebrations. All guests received a 20% discount on most regularly priced items. The evening honored the rise of the grandeur, creativity, and beauty known as La Belle Époque.

The Gala event is next Wednesday January 26th. See event details here.

See event photos below.

Anjelika Deogirikar, Breanne Funk, Robin Starbuck Farmanfarmaian, Niki Lowry

Liz Brusca, Jimmy Ho

Robin Starbuck Farmanfarmaian, Niki Lowry

Robin Starbuck Farmanfarmaian, Kristen Marsh, Jimmy Ho

Karena Gupton Akhavein

Robin Starbuck Farmanfarmaian, Jane Burkhard

Jane Burkhard, Liz Brusca

Niki Lowry, Kristen Marsh

Photos: Courtesy of Moanalani Jeffrey