By Erica Chayes Wida
Last Saturday, Grounds for Sculpture was flowering with patrons of the arts for the Arts Council of Princeton’s annual fall gala, Dining by Design. The cocktail hour was set against the backdrop of Paul Henry Ramirez’s current exhibit, “Rattle,” a vibrant depiction of light, bodies and color. In honor of the swirling candy-like wall installations, Dining by Design event chair Sarah Collum Hatfield titled the evening “Eye Candy.”
Guests were greeted by an installation of stacked balloons and bowls full of candy rings and candy bracelets, as well as by Arts Council volunteers and Executive Director Jeff Nathansan — who paused often to welcome visitors with a kiss on the cheek, or a quick chat.
”It’s bittersweet,” Mr. Nathanson said about this being his last gala before leaving the Arts Council at year’s end. “I’ve been reflecting on all the events over the 11-and-a-half years I’ve been here, and can’t help but think of the first Dining by Design I helped organize. We had an artistic vision to change the type of events from being more formal and traditional to being innovative, exciting fun and unique. It’s been a thrill working here. I was hoping to bring an urban sensibility to Princeton and I believe we’ve achieved that.”
This year’s gala was certainly not formal or traditional. While some ladies wore floor-length gowns, the atmosphere was funky, with dancers under the choreography and direction of Dawn Cargiulo Berman, director of The Pennington Studio for Dance and the Creative Arts. The dancers were from the Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company and Pilobolus Dance Theater.
”They’re just unbelievable specimens of the human body,” said Arts Council Director of Operations Mark Germond, who has been attending Pilobus’ shows at McCarter for 13 years.
Mr. Nathanson, who expects to remain involved with the arts council in some way, feels these tremendous events — a testament to the arts council’s community involvement, volunteers, artists, supporters and sponsors — are just one “small slice” of how the organization has transformed into something for the entire region.
”I hope people will support and use this resource.”
Collum Hatfield designed the place cards for the three-course dining portion of the gala with membership information on the back. She also featured centerpieces and surprise artwork under every plate by the Arts Council’s K-5 Art Reach program.
”My foremost goal was to have guests learn something about the arts council and its community outreach programs,” Ms. Hatfield said. “I didn’t want the information to come at them but to allow them to discover it on their own.”
It was apparent she was enthralled with the event and had a wonderful time putting it together — from hiring Pilobus to mirror Mr. Ramirez’s sculptures to filling giant glass vases with M&Ms.
”Eye Candy” was the Arts Council’s principal fundraiser this year, in honor of its 50th Anniversary. The night filled with cocktails, party boards, a live auction, three-course dinner, wine pairings and of course, music and art, raised funds for the Arts Council’s mission of Building Community Through The Arts and supported community art education for at risk youth, families, and seniors.
