College of DuPage Foundation, in support of the McAninch Arts Center and the Cleve Carney Museum of Art, hosted “For the Love of Warhol: A Night at Studio 54” benefit gala on Saturday, Feb. 18 at Esplanade Lakes in Downers Grove, Ill. The successful event attracted more than 330 attendees and raised nearly $200,000, to support the Major Exhibition Fund of the College of DuPage Foundation dedicated to presenting future exhibitions, most notably, the upcoming “Warhol: Featuring Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop / Works from the Bank of America” presented by Bank of America and hosted by the MAC and CCMA (June 3 – Sept. 10, 2023).
The evening was sponsored in part by TM Financial Forensics, LLC; Christopher B. Burke Engineering, LTD.; Reliable Home Improvement and Whiskey Acres. Event Chair was Marcie Peterson who was assisted by a committee including Sharon D’Allesandro, Kim Dorn, Amy Frese, Jameena Ivory, Maryellen Klang, Karen Kuhn, Nancy Lehrer, Diana Martinez, Janie Oldfield, Paul Pyrcik, Barb Reimann and René Richards.
The evening began at 5 p.m. with a VIP reception followed at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception where attendees (many clad in their disco finest) mixed and mingled while enjoying a Studio 54-inspired Old Fashioned Bar sponsored by Whiskey Acres, hors d’ oeuvres and the chance to bid on an exciting array of more than 60 items at the silent auction.
At 7 p.m. “Andy Warhol” assembled his stunningly-dressed “entourage” of dancers from the Chicago Movement Collective on the stairs before they disco-strutted through the reception ushering gala guests into dinner. Once seated, guests received a special pre-dinner welcome from COD President Dr. Bran Caputo before dining on a delicious four course meal.
Following dinner, guests were treated to an overview of what to expect at the multi-faceted “Warhol” exhibit by CCMA Curator Justin Witte, and a peek into the many exciting summer 2023 community programs and events inspired by the exhibit by MAC Director Diana Martinez. COD Vice President, Institutional Advancement Walter J. Johnson then stepped into the spotlight to lead the paddle raise and live auction which garnered top ticket items a luxury weekend test ride of a LUCID, a catered champagne brunch for ten, a week in Vail and more.
The evening wrapped up with a jaw-droppingly authentic performance by CHER tribute artist Lisa McClowry as CHER, followed by the chance for everyone to cut some disco moves of their own on the dance floor.
About “Warhol” featuring “Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop” works from the Bank of America Collection
The Warhol exhibit will feature 94 original screen print works from “Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop” are on loan through Bank of America’s Art in our Communities® program. In addition to the Bank of America collection, which will be on display in a dedicated space in the exhibition, there will also be more than 100 works from the COD Permanent Art Collection. The exhibition will encompass both the CCMA and the MAC, unfolding across roughly 11,000 square-feet of exhibition space. Educational and interactive elements will include a biographical exhibition highlighting key points in Warhol’s life and career, video installation, interactive mural, children’s print factory area, Studio 54 and Silver Cloud Room experiences and Central Park-inspired outdoor café, creating an immersive, multifaceted exhibition focused on the life and work of one of the most influential artists of the past century.
The exhibition is presented by Bank of America and made possible through support from Ball, Wight & Company, Bjarne R Ullsvik, Clayco and the DuPage Foundation. For more information visit Warhol2023.org.
