The seventh annual UrbanSuburban Exhibition and Art Auction Event at the Espten Gallery on October 15, 2011, went off without a hitch! Expertly co-chaired by Harriett Charno & Susie Sachs Cantor, the annual fundraiser was filled with wonderful friends, delicious treats, and beautiful art created by over 80 talented artists from all over the country.
“It was such a memorable evening,” says co-chair Harriett Charno, “and many thanks should be given to all those who assisted in making it a wonderful part of KCJMCA’s 20th Anniversary season: the 2011 Honorary Chairs Dr. Lawrence Cohen & Donna Gould Cohen and their family, the 2011 Patron Party hosts Lawrence & Joni Weiner along with Debbie Glassberg and Todd Nelson who opened their home to UrbanSuburban patrons, KCJMCA Board and staff, volunteers, Committee Chairs, patrons, and friends. An event like this could not be done without your support.”
Also offering extraordinary support were this year’s Honorary Chairs Dr. Lawrence Cohen & Donna Gould Cohen. Well-known philanthropists with a love of the arts, Donna and Larry have been gracious KCJMCA supporters throughout the years, and along with their wonderful family, showed KCJMCA incredible generosity and enthusiasm during this year’s event as they took on the crucial role of Honorary Chairs.
Throughout the evening of the auction, guests enjoyed the musical stylings of pianist Regina Pachter, a catered buffet of hors d’oeuvres by Lon Lane’s Inspired Occasions, an open bar, and a signature champagne cocktail. The Epsten Gallery was filled with works of art from over 80 artists from all disciplines that were auctioned off throughout two silent auctions and one live auction led by Board Vice President Sylvia Augustus and Auctioneer Mike Williams of Williams Land & Cattle Auction Company. As part of the Kansas City Jewish Museum of Contemporary Art’s 20th Anniversary, founder Sybil Kahn was honored for her timeless support and commitment and was gifted during the live auction with a beautifully inscribed clock. Also honored for her hard work over the past two decades was Executive Director Emeritus Eileen Garry, who retired this year; Garry was presented with an original sculpture created by artist Linda Lighton. At the end of the night, guests gathered for coffee and dessert while collecting their purchases and saying goodbye to yet another fantastic UrbanSuburban.
The proceeds generated by UrbanSuburban enable the Kansas City Jewish Museum of Contemporary Art to continue to bring oustanding exhibits to the Epsten Gallery, to promote new as well as nationally known artists, and to provide educational and creative programs to art enthusiasts of all ages.
