The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) held their annual LOOT Opening Benefit, which began with a three-hour cocktail portion on the second floor gallery where guests were in a flurry of jewelry shopping. The annual Awards Presentation at MAD’s ROBERT restaurant followed.
Now in its 18th edition, LOOT, the annual five-day exhibition and sale of contemporary art jewelry, has all proceeds benefiting the Museum’s programs and exhibitions. It remains the only event in North America to provide the public with the opportunity to meet and directly acquire contemporary pieces from the most skilled, innovative, and creative jewelry artists working globally today.
The Museum honored four avid studio jewelry and arts philanthropists: Loreen Arbus was presented with her award by LOOT’s Chair Marsy Mittlemann; Carolee Lee was presented by MAD’s Board Member Ann Kaplan, Michael and Karen Rotenberg was presented by LOOT’s Curator Bryna Pomp.
All four honorees took to the podium and expressed their love for the Museum and the field of jewelry, with Loreen Arbus announcing that MAD was her favorite museum in the world.
The Museum’s Chair and Board of Trustees Michele Cohen made the opening remarks at the benefit dinner. Chairman Emerita Barbara Tober and husband Donald Tober were present, as well.
Guests included: Susan Ach, Muna Rihani Al-Nasser, Paola Bacchini, Dennis Basso, Dr. Joyce F. Brown, Liliana Cavendish, Paolo Costagli, Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, Caroline Blackman Coakley and Patrick Coakley, Brian Damaris, Patti and Michael Dweck, Patricia Falkenberg, Joanna Fisher, Boo Grace, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Joan Hornig, Michele Gerber Klein, Suzan Kremer, Lewis Kruger, Nanette L. Laitman, Francine LeFrak, Shari Loeffler, Linda Plattus, Liz Peek, Barbara Regna, Peter Regna, Heidi Rigney, Toni Ross, Jean Shafiroff, Barbara and Donald Tober, Barbara Winston, and Debbie Wheeler.
Pictured:
Francine LeFrak, Michele Gerber Klein
Bryna Pomp, Karen & Michael Rotenberg