MIAMI, FL (January, 2010)
– Miami’s
philanthropic power players recently
gathered for the annual An Affair of
the Arts Performance and Gala, in
support of YoungArts, the core program
of the National Foundation for
Advancement in the Arts (NFAA). The
event brought together the nation’s
finest young artists, the patrons who
support them and a cache of celebrities
at the Gusman Center for the Performing
Arts and the Alfred I. Dupont Building.
The theme of this year’s gala was
Downtown Deco. SunTrust Bank was
the Title Presenting Sponsor and
chairing the event were prominent Miami
arts philanthropists Mary and Howard
Frank.
The party began with a
dazzling performance at the Gusman
Center by select YoungArts Alumni
including famed dancer and choreographer
Desmond Richardson. Richardson
was a 1986 YoungArts winner in Modern
Dance and a Presidential Scholar in the
Arts. He has been hailed by the New
York Times as one of the greatest
dancers and choreographers of our time,
and his performance proved this to be
true. Following the performance was a
cocktail reception, wine and cruise
silent auction, and a drawing featuring
a dazzling variety of luxury items and
experiences. During the reception,
guests were surrounded by vignettes with
incredible performances by the 2010
YoungArts finalists.
The South Ballroom of the
DuPont Building was transformed into an
oasis of
brown and white linens with a touch of
40's glamour from an abundance of palm
fronds and orchid.
Chef
David Schwadron Catering & Event Design
provided the décor and delicious dinner.
A special tribute to
Desmond Richardson, recipient of the
YoungArts Alumni Award and distinguished
Actress and Director Liv Ullmann,
the recipient of this year’s prestigious
Arison Award was
the highlight of the evening. YoungArts
also honored the
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
and its President and CEO Alberto
Ibargüen for their distinguished
leadership and unwavering commitment to
supporting
the arts.
Notable guests also
included Mikhail Baryshnikov,
Teddy Reily, Stanford Ziff and Lin and
Sarah Arison.
Funds raised will go to
support the YoungArts programming on
both a regional and national level.
www.youngarts.org