SB Museum of Art’s 2nd Annual Gilded Gala

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) held its second annual Gilded Gala on Saturday, February 28, at Rosewood Miramar Beach. Proceeds from the event support the museum’s commitment to art, education, and community.

Guests arrived in elegantly fashionable black-tie and formal attire. The reception featured a formal step-and-repeat area with a Getty Images photographer, Petrossian caviar from Paris paired with Champagne Telmont from Damery, France, and a circulating selection of hors d’oeuvres.

I met with Lynn Cunningham Brown – Gilded Gala event committee chair and founder & vice president of the SBMA Board of Trustees, along with gala committee members Christian McGrath, board secretary, and Clay Tedeschi, former SBMA trustee. Also present were Chair Michael C. Linn and his wife Carol, and Amada Cruz, SBMA Eichholz Foundation director, with her husband Rick Harman. Everyone was gracious as always and excited for the successful evening.

Once seated for dinner, Cunningham Brown welcomed the guests and relayed that Honorary Chairs Zoë Saldaña Perego and artist Marco Perego Saldaña were unable to attend. She read their message to the guests and throughout the evening personally greeted attendees to thank them for their support.

The program commenced with Linn, who said, “It has been a banner year for the SBMA, and the board is so proud of what the museum has accomplished – from dynamic exhibitions and meaningful collaborations to the blockbuster Impressionist show. Under the leadership of Amada Cruz [much applause], the museum has taken on remarkable energy and momentum, welcoming new artists, bringing works out of storage for public viewing, and expanding staff through new positions. Our board shares that energy with long-standing and newly joined members who bring fresh insight to governance. Together we are ensuring that the SBMA continues to grow and serve this community at the highest level. The gala contributes directly to the operating budget and educational opportunities, highlighting the power of art to educate, move hearts and minds, and change lives.”

Linn then introduced Cruz. Her remarks outlined the museum’s goals and accomplishments, acknowledged current exhibitions and Chief Curator James Glisson, and highlighted the museum’s new Art Learning Lab (ALL). Cruz said, “The museum is a place of hope, joy, and agency. It is especially important now to support artists’ free expression. We had a remarkable year, and it is deeply satisfying to reflect on the impact we are having on our community – that is our north star – deepening our impact, expanding access, and creating a feeling of openness, dynamism, and a warm welcome to everyone who walks through the door. We welcomed 30% more visitors this past year – nearly 80,000 guests – and our collection now includes more than 26,000 objects. It is a joy to see young students in the museum through our ALL program, and for them to imagine what they can achieve. Making art accessible to
everyone is what your generosity tonight supports. Thank you.”

She was followed by a video showcasing the museum’s programs and exhibitions.

The live auction and paddle raise, led by Viveca Paulin-Ferrell, proceeded smoothly and raised approximately $500,000. As we went to press, SBMA shared via email that the total raised was close to $900,000.

Notable attendees included artists whose works are collected and exhibited at SBMA, including Awol Erizku with his guest, attorney Danielle Falls; Arturo Sandoval III and Samuel Borkson of FriendsWithYou; Patricia I. Peco; and Yassi Mazandi. Also attending were celebrities Dana Delany and Paulin-Ferrell’s somewhat recognizable husband, Will. Additional guests included Doug Pearson, Marlene Veloz, Danner Schefler, Gwendolyn and Henry Baker, Joanne and Gregory Payne, Jackie and Patrick McBride, Sierra Muller, Christina Brownlow-Patrick and Blaise Patrick, Iman Djouini, Sara Johnson, Carolyn and Chris Diacos, Ann Cooluris, Tim Nightingale and the Northern Trust Montecito team, Jami Voulgaris, Andrew Farkas, Rachel Douglas, esteemed former Society News Reporter Gail Gelles, Sheraton Kalouria, Jack Ghublikian, Marcy Carsey, and Sandy Barrett.

The Honorary Host Committee included Sarah Argyropoulos, Susan Drymalski Bowey, Christine Emmons, Mitchell and Lisa Green, Rachel Kaganoff, Judith Little (Titled Sponsor), Siri and Bob Marshall, Stephen Schaible and Daron Builta, Beth and George Wood, and Geof and Laura Wyatt.

Till next week! Xx, JAC