Montclair Art Museum Hosts Three Events to Celebrate Matisse-Related Exhibitions

The Montclair Art Museum will celebrate the magic of Matisse at MAM’s spring fundraising events, including a festive gala and after-dark soiree and a special luncheon featuring the Matisse-inspired Designer’s Challenge.

These fundraising events will bring together artists, philanthropists, community leaders and friends of MAM for celebrations inspired by the exhibition Matisse and American Art. Midnight in Paris, a Gala and After Party will be held Saturday, May 13, and Puttin’ on the Ritz, an annual luncheon will be held Tuesday, May 16.

The events will honor Adrian A. Shelby, Chairman Emeritus, patron, volunteer and mentor; and JP Morgan Chase, philanthropic corporate leader in arts and culture. Funds raised benefit the Museum’s exhibitions and education programs.

“We are first and foremost raising money to support MAM's exhibitions and art education programs but even more than that we are building a community of support for a Montclair icon that is providing world class
art right here in our community,” says Gala Chair, Susan Brady Abadan. “The theme is inspired by Woody Allen's comedy Midnight in Paris. We want to transport our guests into the exhilarating world of Cole
Porter, Ernest Hemingway, Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein's salon including Matisse, Picasso, Cezanne, and more.”

The Museum’s largest fundraiser of the year, the Midnight in Paris Gala and After Party on May 13, will be a special evening highlighting the glamor of 1920s Paris with dinner and entertainment. Beginning at 6 p.m., the black tie occasion will also feature an exciting live and silent auction. Tickets start at $500 and include access to the After Party. The unforgettable After Party is a separate event beginning at 9:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy a lively late-night party with delicious treats, dancing, and more. Tickets are $100.

Chaired by Gretchen Prater, the Puttin’ on the Ritz spring luncheon and Designer’s Challenge will take place on May 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will include an in-depth presentation on Henri Matisse and his timeless influence on American art by MAM Chief Curator Gail Stavitsky. Guests will be seated at tables designed in the spirit of Matisse, with tablescapes inspired by the French master. A winning design will be selected the day of the event. Tickets start at $200.

For more information, visit montclairartmuseum.org/celebratematisse or contact Lucia Burrafato, Development Associate, at 973-259-5143 or lburrafato@montclairartmuseum.org.