CLMA Fall Gala’s Overwhelming Success Reflects Thriving Community Patronage and Increased Standing in the Art World
For Immediate Release
September 24, 2024
Press Contact: Catherine McIntosh
909 626-1386, cell 713 829-9338
Claremont Lewis Museum of Art’s Fall Gala held September 21 provided a firsthand view of the local museum’s growth, its thriving patronage by Claremont residents, and appreciation by regional artists, as more than 225 attendees flowed onto the CLMA’s front lawn at the Claremont Depot for the signature Spaggi’s dining experience, celebrating art, music, and shared support for arts education.
While the fundraising numbers are still being tallied, the Gala raised more than in previous years, exceeding estimates and providing a healthy financial springboard for the museum’s signature arts education program, Project ARTstART.
“The success we’re experiencing is a direct reflection of the high-quality exhibitions, strong community support, and expanded professionalism our museum has achieved in the last few years,” said Ryan Zimmerman, president of the CLMA Board of Directors. “Our Board and staff have leaned into growing sponsorships and creating engaging, popular exhibitions that have propelled us to the next level in the nonprofit art world. We’re very proud of the growth and are all very grateful to our small but mighty team of paid staff who are making it happen.”
The Gala theme, “Reflections,” was inspired by the work of Phil Dike, one of Claremont’s most renowned painters and influential Scripps College art teacher. Dike’s son, Woody, entertained dinner guests with personal insights into his father’s life, and Gallery 2 was named in his honor. The current exhibition Phil Dike: A Bird’s-eye View is on display through November 24.
One of the CLMA’s key programs – Project ARTstART – took center stage at this year’s event. Claremont High School and ARTstART alumnus Anthony Valencia provided a heartfelt testimonial, explaining how the ARTstART program was key to his love of the arts and pivotal in his understanding the deep needs of community service-focused nonprofits.
In 2019, he founded the nonprofit tech company, ShelterShare, an online platform launched in Claremont that now supports homeless and domestic violence shelters in major US cities across the country. He has also cultivated his art acumen, exhibited his sculptures and mixed media works in Manhattan galleries, and sold his original jewelry at boutiques throughout New York City and the Hamptons.
“My work in the nonprofit sector, still draws upon the values of leadership, community, and purpose that were nurtured in ARTstART,” said Valencia. “And as an artist, the memories, discussions, and development of my own creative process continue to inspire the material I produce today,”.
This year’s sponsors included Gala Platinum Sponsor Patricia A. Lobello of Lobello Lamb Lewis & Riley LLP; Gold Sponsors, Barbara Brown, Claremont Lincoln University, Valerie Martinez of VMA Communications Inc., Ruth & Joseph Reed Foundation; and Silver Sponsor Karen & Michael Rosenthal.
The Claremont Lewis Museum of Art, located in the historic Claremont Depot at 200 W. First Street, is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m.