2008 UnGala Gala Wrap Up
SARASOTA, Fla. – Oct. 29, 2008 –The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art’s 23rd Annual UnGala Gala was another unbelievable evening Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008.
The theme for the evening was unconditionally "hush-hush" until guests arrived at the Museum gates to see billowing banners of blue and silver. Inscribed with whimsical patterns and “UnGala Gala” scripted in silver atop a luxurious cobalt blue background, the invitations built excitement and intrigue for the unrivaled event. In true UnGala tradition, the invitations, created by Jennifer Edwards, hinted to what to wear.
Guests, clad in festive attire of vintage gowns and modern haute couture, mingled to the upbeat and funky tunes of DJ Cub (Chris Mendez), and sipped champagne before entering the Courtyard. As guest mingled, eclectic graffiti artists created a masterpiece that was later raffled to a guest. Guests entered the Museum of Art Courtyard at sunset and were welcomed with a modern twist on vintage, a most appropriate theme for today’s trendsetting partygoers to the 1920s Estate.
Modern opulence was not spared as cascading chandeliers accented crystal clear skies and tables were decorated with charcoal gray and silver linens, courtesy of Panache Party Rentals, and accented with “green” centerpieces of simple, yet elegant, baby’s breath, moss and small branches in cobalt blue vases designed by Bee Ridge Florist. The statue of David, reigning over the evening affair, was draped in blue. Baystage Lighting again captivated the crowd by creating a lighting design across the loggia walls.
Guests mingled to the sounds of Manasaxophone Quartet before feasting on Mattison’s buffets of beef tenderloin, stuffed chicken breast, Cajun lime Mahi Mahi, meatless mousaka and locally-grown vegetables and a dessert buffet of candy and s'mores. The theme continued with the entertainment as silk aerialists, undoubtedly a tribute to Ringling’s circus legacy, performed between two acts by the trendy Tampa-based dance group Enigma Dance Kru. Guests grooved to DJ Indiana Jones, aka Ron Miner, and capped the evening off in-style.
As is customary, guests left with a signature scented candle created especially for the event. This year, Sensational Soap & Gifts of Venice, Fla., created a scent of Black Orchid sure to remind party-goers of their remarkable evening at Ringling Museum.
The 2008 UnGala Gala was undeniably another incredible success. Undoubtedly, this was due to the outstanding efforts of co-chairs Nicole Kaney and Lindsay Howell, their executive committee, and Ringling Museum support. The funds raised at the UnGala Gala allow the Museum to continue to bring educational programming and high caliber exhibitions to the community throughout the year, supporting the mission of the Museum.