INCOGNITO, Santa Monica Museum of Art’s legendary benefit art sale hosted 600 guests on Saturday, May 2, which raised $315,000 for the organization. The event marked the new SMMoA Unbound experience, as the Museum plans its departure from Bergamot Station on May 31.
More than 600 works by a wide range of luminary and emerging artists were on view.
Each 10 x 10 inch work was signed on the back; artists’ identities were revealed only after purchase.
Guests were invited to trust their instincts and purchase the pieces they love.
Guests walked away with works by John Baldessari, Mark Bradford, Simone Forti, Catherine Opie, Jim Shaw and Ed Ruscha.
Guests enjoyed a lively party with specialty cocktails provided by the Macallan’s master mixologist, distinctive food by Susan Feniger and Kajsa Alger’s Mud Hen Tavern, and music by DJ Eddie Ruscha.
VIP guests in attendance included: Producer/Actor Danny Strong (Empire, Game Change, The Butler); directors Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton (Little Miss Sunshine); comedian and actress Chelesea Peretti (Brooklyn Nine-Nine); Reid Scott (VEEP); model, Natalia ‘Nats’ Getty; screenwriter and producer Paul Attanasio; actress Rowan Blanchard (Girl Meets World); George Kotsiopoulos, Editor and former host of Fashion Police; Katherine Schwarzenegger; director/artists Mark Pellington; and fashion designer Cynthia Vincent.
Additionally, $315,000 was raised to support SMMoA Unbound, a new initiative devised by Museum’s Board of Trustees and Executive Director Elsa Longhauser.
SMMoA Unbound provides a period of gestation during which the board and staff will take the time to rethink ways that a museum like SMMoA can continue to inform and enrich people’s lives.
“INCOGNITO was a great celebration,” said Longhauser. “Hundreds of artists, arts professionals, and patrons joined in a spirited celebration to honor SMMoA’s important history. All the artists in INCOGNITO generously committed their support because SMMoA represents the artistic and social values they hold dear. Of this accomplishment, we are exceedingly grateful and proud.”
SMMoA Unbound is an exciting new phase for reflection and rejuvenation. At this pivotal moment, please support the independent, courageous, and discerning spirit that has consistently characterized SMMoA’s groundbreaking work.
