The evening celebrated the "artistic and cultural complexity of the Midwest," to use the phrase from the Forbes review of the CAC exhibition sharing the same name. Yes, The Regional Gala took its inspiration from the 2021 exhibition The Regional that sought to capture what defines the soul of our region.
More than 450 people attended this vibrant, sold-out soiree, dressing in the style of "Factory or Flowers." Emcee and artist Pam Kravetz delighted everyone with her enthusiastic eloquence, as well as her elaborate floral outfit, designed by East to Vest.
Guest Speaker Mayor Aftab Pureval reflected on the "Factory or Flowers" theme in his address.
"Tonight, we’re here to celebrate both factory and flowers, recognizing that the elusive, “true” definition of the Midwest lies somewhere in between," Pureval ruminated. "We celebrate the present and lean into the future, as the city continues to evolve as an exciting creative and cultural hub, led in part by beloved arts organizations like the CAC."
The night highlighted the creative spirit. Guests enjoyed decadent food from Fausto, a Ferrari Brothers creation. Hors d'ouevre and beverages were distributed by performers in imaginative designs, also by East to Vest. The YPCC performed a specially commissioned choral work on the iconic staircase of the CAC's Zaha Hadid design. Musicians and artists filled the night with immersive performances, leading to a dance party until late in the night. Much of the experience was curated by NewFuture Creative and Team B.
Altogether, the event raised more than $150,000 to support the CAC's exhibitions, communtiy programming, education initiatives, and the overall mission to bring art and the creative process to all people.
Couldn't join us for this incredible event? You can participate in the online auction until September 7th, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. EDT.
Our thanks to everyone who made the night so successful!
Gala Committee
Ron Bates / Kate Bonansinga / Theo Erasmus / Pam Kravetz / George Kurz, Jr. / Linda Schwarz / Linda Miller / Lee Lindner / Rebecca Roman / Rosemary Schlacter
Participating Artists
Hellen Ascoli / Keith Benjamin / Jay Bolotin / Bjorn Braun / Luis Camnitzer / Tani CAndiani / Ellina Chetverikova / Michael Coppage / Salvador Dali / Marjolin Dijkman / David Ellis / Tracy Featherstone / Isa Gagarin / Nikita Gale / Alice Genese / Charlie Goering / Dan Gunn / Terence Hammonds / Steffani Jemison / Kim Krause / Pam Kravetz / Cary Leibowitz / Anissa Lewis / Anthony Luensman / Matt Lynch / Maindesn of the Cosmic Body Running / Lorena Molina / Aaron Morse / Huong Ngo / OUECHa / Natalie Petrosky / Srestha Rit Pramnath / Letitia Quesenberry / William Renschler / Michael Scheurer / Jordan Weber / Nikki Woods
Performers + Installations
Nora Barton / Preston Charles / Rev. Todd O'Neal + Friends / Isaac Joel + Dan Junior / Young Profressionals Choral Collective (YPCC) / DJ Monet w/ Jackie E. + Mimi Wright / Wearable Art By East to Vest / NewFuture Creative / Team B / Buds Cincinnati / The Secret Garden (Detroit, MI) / Nikita Gross