The community gathered to salute L.A. painters Laura Owens and Mary Weatherford plus two prominent benefactors
Words by MARIE LOOK
More than 400 guests from the worlds of art, design and fashion — including the newly appointed director of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Klaus Biesenbach — attended the institution’s 11th Distinguished Women in the Arts Luncheon, held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Lita Albuquerque, Kathryn Andrews, Billy Al Bengston and Andrea Bowers were just a few who turned out to acknowledge the past year’s incredible leaders and innovators.
Of special note were philanthropists Betye Burton and Dallas Price-Van Breda, as well as artists Laura Owens and Mary Weatherford, who were honored at the occasion (chaired by MOCA Projects Council co-presidents Pam Smith and Nancy Koven in addition to honorary luncheon chair Susan Gersh and luncheon co-chairs Marilyn Resnick, Julie Smooke and Carol Stein), with peers such as Shio Kusaka, Kelly Lamb, Ruby Neri, Asha Schechter, Jasmin Shokrian, Diana Thater and Lesley Vance showing their support.
Highlights included the presentation of awards by Hammer Museum chief curator Connie Butler, MOCA trustee Cliff Einstein, arts advocate Bettina Korek and writer Rachel Kushner while guests Sigrid Burton, Celeste Depuy-Spencer, Jennifer Guidi and Barbara Kruger, among others, looked on; and a performance of music and movement by harpist Mary Lattimore, choreographer Katie Malia and dancers (cloaked in red, flowy attire) that was both emotional and intimate despite making use of the ballroom’s expanse.
Feature image: Dancers at MOCA’s luncheon in Beverly Hills. Photo by Owen Kolasinski/BFA.com, courtesy of MOCA.
Nov. 22, 2019
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