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For Immediate Release:
LA JOLLA, CA, AUGUST 4, 2007 - The women of Las Patronas delivered on their promise to put the art in party at the 61st Jewel Ball. Upon arrival, guests were immediately drawn into the art scene by working chalk artists who created the colorful walkway to the Ball. Entering through a large, framed, Magritte painting, guests lighted on a carpet of clouds, surrounded by an intricately die-cut polyester canvas illuminated by celestial blue lights. The innovative material was introduced last year at the Helsinki Design Week by architects, Iikka Airas and Markus Wikar. It makes its debut in United States as the surreal entry to the Las Patronas Jewel Ball - ARTRAGEOUS!
Dancers from Malashock Dance and Performing Arts delighted partygoers as they enjoyed champagne and an astounding array of delicious appetizers while waiting to have the evening commemorated by studio m / michael spengler photography against a hand-painted backdrop.
A 10’ blue bathing suit-clad statue created by Las Patronas members, aptly named Lola Patrona, presided over the pool as guests were presented with an abundance of enticing appetizers during the cocktail hour. The Sheraton Harbor Hotel & Marina prepared a painter’s palette of cold vegetable crudité shots, micro tostadas, mini gourmet sandwiches, lump crab cakes, grilled lamb chops, grilled shrimp and chicken satay and some creatively conceived thin-crusted pizza. As always, the seafood station drew a large crowd while Roppongi's offered a fresh take on sushi.
Floating on a platform in the center of the pool, musicians, led by electric wind instrumentalist Mitch Manker, performed a blend of jazz, classical music and opera using electric string instruments. As the time for dinner drew near, opera diva Monica Louwerens made a grand entrance onto the floating stage to call guests to dinner with a vibrant “Popera.”
Upon entering the ballroom, illuminated centerpieces, each containing an impressive array of 90 white feathers, seemed to float above the black tablecloths. The black and white table settings were an excellent contrast to the colorful paintings that enlivened each wall of the ballroom.
Inspired by modern masters such as Picasso, Matisse and Dali, as well as pop artists such as Keith Haring, Mark Rothko, and Jasper Johns, Las Patronas members created the many impressive art pieces on display. The ladies proved that bigger is better with a 48-foot tribute to Jackson Pollock, dozens of paintings fashioned after well known works and 50 self-portraits, colored Andy Warhol style by each member.
Las Patronas Ball Chair, Kathryn Stephens, is a talented artist who conceived the ARTRAGEOUS! theme for this year’s Ball. “I hope that our guests have as much fun experiencing the artwork as we had working on it. I wanted to create a stimulating, meaningful and unique art experience as well as a sizzling party and a successful event.” said Stephens.
Even MSI Productions, the lighting and sound crew who have lit up the Ball for the last 20 years, had an opportunity to display their creativity with an exciting, moving electronic art exhibit projected above the crowd on a giant canvas.
An artistically presented starter of roasted eggplant, goat cheese and parmesan flan with sliced beet salad, dressed in a honey vanilla vinaigrette was preset at the elegantly dressed tables. Dinner consisted of lemon herb tenderloin surrounded by painted carrot and wild yam puree, accompanied by balsamic vinegar glazed baby vegetables and fingerling potatoes pan jus. Dessert was a spectacular chocolate tower served on a chocolate painted palette. Non-chocolate lovers were treated to a delectable concoction of Mirabelle cherries and fresh berries served over vanilla bean ice cream.
Diners were entertained by action painter Dan Dunn, who threw paint in a rhythmic frenzy, only revealing the final image of his masterpieces with a couple of well placed strokes and a flip of the canvas. After dinner, NRG Music and Productions, with their 26-piece orchestra, brought the crowd to their feet with high-octane vocals, energetic arrangements and exciting choreography.
Guests not only experienced an ARTRAGEOUSLY great party, they actively participated in the art of giving. Proceeds from the Ball will benefit the following 11 Major Beneficiaries: Campfire USA – San Diego and Imperial Counties Council, Family Health Centers of San Diego, Helen Woodward Animal Center, The Old Globe, Rady Children’s Hospital – San Diego, St. Paul’s Retirement Homes Foundation, San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum, San Diego Museum of Art, University of San Diego School of Leadership and Education Sciences, Urban Corps of San Diego County, Voices for Children and almost 80 other nonprofit organizations in San Diego.
Las Patronas is a philanthropic organization with a long history of giving. Since its inception in 1946, Las Patronas has donated more than $12 million to over a thousand charitable institutions in San Diego.
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