WEST PALM BEACH, FL—Nearly 400 people attended the Norton Museum of Art’s sold out 2018 Gala and LUSH, the Gala after-party, raising over $1 million in support of the art museum and its programming. Held on February 3, 2018, the Gala honored Trustee Gilbert Maurer for his vision and leadership in spearheading The New Norton, a transformative expansion project designed by Foster + Partners, as well as celebrated the final year of museum construction.
During the Gala, thanks were expressed to donors to the capital campaign and members of the 21st Century Society—the museum's gifts of art initiative—which has received over 60 new works of world-class art, according to the museum. The Gala raised more than $1 million for Museum education programs and exhibitions, according to the museum.
Michael Wurzel of Foster + Partners, who shared a letter from Norman Foster in honor of Maurer, as well as noted philanthropist Leonard Lauder who introduced Maurer, calling his longtime friend, “my north star,” according to the museum.
.
Frank Bennack, Gil Maurer, and Steve Swartz. Photo by Capehart Photography. Courtesy Norton Museum of Art.
.
Attendees included Norton supporters and friends Ronnie Heyman, Jane Holzer and Beth Rudin DeWoody, as well as Lisa Dennison, Chairman of Sotheby’s North and South America; Adam Weinberg, Director of the Whitney Museum of American Art; Salvador Slort-Pons, Director of the Detroit Institute of Arts; Adam Sheffer, Cheim & Read and President of the Art Dealers Association of America; Frank A. Bennack, Jr., Executive Vice Chairman of Hearst; and Steven R. Swartz, President & CEO of Hearst.
.
Ward Blum and Ronnie Heyman. Photo by Capehart Photography. Courtesy Norton Museum of Art.
.
Adam Weinberg, Judy Lauder, Leonard Lauder, and Beth Rudin DeWoody. Photo by Capehart Photography. Courtesy Norton Museum of Art.
.
Adam Sheffer and Jean Sharf. Photo by Capehart Photography. Courtesy Norton Museum of Art.
.
The Gala Committee included Randi Bitove, Lori Gendelman, Nicki Harris, Michelle Jacobs, Jane Korman, Amy Phelan, Anne Reyes, Christine Stiller and Robbi Toll. Serving as Honorary Chairs for the sold out event was DeWoody, Heyman, Lauder, Lord Norman Foster and Anne Berkley Smith. The evening’s Corporate Sponsors were Gilbane Building Company and Sotheby’s.
.
Jane Holzer and Foster + Partners’ Michael Wurzel. Photo by Capehart Photography. Courtesy Norton Museum of Art.
.
Gala goers also were treated to the opening of the exhibition, "Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney: Sculpture," the first survey of the artist’s work in more than 75 years, which is on view through April 29, 2018 and features some 50 sculptures and drawings and other items from the artist’s life.
The Norton’s 2017/2018 Young Friends Acquisitions Council hosted the after-party LUSH, which benefitted the Young Friends of the Norton Acquisition Fund. The Millennials band provided the soulful gala and after-party entertainment.
____________________________
BASIC FACTS: The Norton Museum of Art is located at 1451 S Olive Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Currently on view is "Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney: Sculpture" and "Spotlight / Jean-Michel Basquiat: Drawing into Painting." www.norton.org.
____________________________
Copyright 2018 Hamptons Art Hub LLC. All rights reserved.