A Museum Gone Mad? Yes, At The Norman Rockwell Summer Bash.
Attendees were invited to wear outrageous party attire, and some complied.
Vicki Bonnington and David Schecker, who never miss an opportunity to dress up.
Humorists, cartoonists, editors, and their supporters reunited at the Norman Rockwell Museum to celebrate the legacy of Mad Magazine. At the Museum Gone Mad Bash on June 8, the iconic Alfred E. Neuman was featured in centerpieces, on face masks, and on pins worn by Mad Magazine’s current and former contributors. In response to the invitation which called for guests to wear “MAD, festive, or outrageous party attire….or not,” party-goers sported outfits ranging from traditional formal wear to plague doctor masks.
Attendees toured the museum’s new exhibit, "What, Me Worry?: The Art and Humor of Mad Magazine" with speeches, stories, and commentary provided by Mad’s artists and editors. In a room dedicated to the work of legendary artist Mort Drucker, his daughter Melanie said, “Norman Rockwell was my father’s favorite artist. To have his work here, in this museum, is just amazing.”
Following the gallery tour, guests were led outside for drinks and hors d'oeuvres provided by Kate Baldwin. An auction raised funds to support the museum’s education and outreach efforts, such as Saturday art classes, school vacation programs, and free museum passes for Berkshire County residents. Guests were later entertained by comedian and Berkshire native, Kevin Bartini, and an evening of dancing with music by DJ BFG.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
