Elegant Salute XVIII: Baroque and Beyond, held on February 1, exceeded its fundraising goals by nearly $100,000. The museum’s largest single fundraiser is held every other year and distinguished by its imaginative themes and decor. This year’s party with a purpose focused on raising money for student programs at the museum and brought in approximately $250,000. Baroque and Beyond took inspiration from the exhibition “Beyond the Medici: The Haukohl Family Collection,” which opened the same day at the museum. Attendees showed up with hoop skirts, powdered wigs and beauty marks, ready to enjoy hors d’oeuvres from Epting Events, have fun taking their pictures with Athens Photo Booth and mingle to harp music from Carrie Scruggs. They also enjoyed a first look at the exhibition, with collector and exhibition organizer Sir Mark Haukohl on hand in the galleries throughout the evening. Bree Hayes , chair of the Friends Advisory Board, welcomed everyone with Pablo Picasso’s words that “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Hayes talked about how art inspires all of us and thanked attendees for their generosity to the museum, volunteers for their hard work (the chairs of the event in particular) and museum staff for their efforts. Ligia Alexander , the event chair, then took the stage to talk about this Elegant Salute as being a full-circle moment for her. When she and her husband moved to Athens 10 years ago, she said that she didn’t know anyone, but she met Maggie Hancock, who was chair of that year’s Elegant Salute and asked her to participate. That kind introduction led her to the museum, which she praised for “joy and fun and art,” and helped her find a community in her new hometown. As a former committee member, she made sure to thank not only her co-chair, Greta Covington, but all the committee chairs and committee members who help Elegant Salute come together. Chris Peterson , chair of the museum’s Director’s Leadership Council, announced the fundraising total to much applause, and introduced David Odo , the museum’s director. This was Odo’s first Elegant Salute, and he expressed gratitude to senior leaders at the University of Georgia who were present: Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Jack Hu, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Jeanette Taylor, University Professor and Zell Miller Distinguished Professor of Higher Education Libby Morris, director of the Lamar Dodd School of Art Joseph Peragine, Interim Vice President for Research Chris King and Senior Director of Development for Constituent Programs Brooks McCommons. Odo acknowledged Haukohl and wished him a happy birthday. He then announced the creation of the Georgia Museum of Art Student Programs Fund, which will hold the proceeds of the event. Odo couldn’t leave without providing some inspiring words, and he talked about the value that the museum brings to our lives as a place of
Attendees dressed up in powdered wigs and baroque-inspired attire.
learning and wellbeing for students of all ages, from our littlest visitors at Toddler Tuesday to the participants in our creative aging programs. He referred to the museum as a place for peace, contemplation, a great date or a meet-up with friends and said, “museums are good for you: mind, body and soul.” Americans trust museums, and they serve as a way to bring people together. DJ Mahogany then kicked off the Rock Me Amadeus dance party, with dramatic neon lighting and tunes that got guests out on the floor to cut loose. We thank everyone who made the evening such a fantastic success: sponsors, partners, volunteers, chairs and, of course, our staff.
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