February 14th, 2020

Save Venice Raises Half A Million Dollars for Art Restoration in Venice

“All the World’s a Stage”
 

140 international philanthropists passionate about preserving the cultural treasures of Venice came together for three days and nights of masked revelry in Venice, Italy, for Save Venice’s Carnevale Gala, “All the World’s a Stage.” Proceeds from the event support Save Venice’s mission to conserve at-risk art in Venice, and the 50th Anniversary campaigns, which together represent a commitment of $2 million.
 
Sponsored by Select Aperitivo with underwriting support from the Gala Chairs and Hosts, the event will net over $500,000 to support Save Venice’s mission and two historic campaigns for the organization’s upcoming 50th Anniversary in October 2021.

 
Prior to the three-day Gala, there was an invitation-only tour for the inauguration of the exhibition, Drawn From Life: Tiepolo, Longhi, and Guardi, at Ca' Rezzonico Museum. Pietro Longhi’s spectacular artwork was recently adopted by the Young Friends Steering Committee of Save Venice led by philanthropist and activist Lizzie Asher to preserve the artwork for years to come.
 
Guests experienced days filled with special opportunities to view works by Paolo Venerose, Pietro Longhi, and Palma il Giovane, restored by Save Venice, and themed evenings in spectacular settings--La Festa di San Valentino at the Ex-Chiesa di Santa Chiara on the island of Murano (attire of Hot Pink, Sizzling Red and Black Tie), the Royal Garden Reverie Ball in Palazzo Pisani Moretta (wear your most luxurious period costumes, fit for kings and queens, masks required) and the Clash of the Centuries Ball (dress to the nines in your favorite time period, masks encouraged) at the Conservatorio Benedetto Marcello in the Palazzo Pisani. The program featured a lecture by British biographer, playwright, and actor Ian Kelly, Casanova on the Stage of Venice; a costume ball designed by renowned Venetian designer Antonia Sautter, a private premiere performance of Phantasmagories: The Life, Deaths, and Miracles of Pulcinella in the Sala Apolinee of La Fenice; and concluded with a blockbuster concert of music through the ages performed by Broadway star Ashley Brown.
 
Venetian jeweler Alberto Nardi donated an Arlecchino brooch with colored stones and diamonds as the prize for the winner of Treasure Hunt, designed by Michael LaPlaca and sponsored by Beatrice & José Esteve. Save Venice Board member Juan Prieto won the brooch.
 
In light of the recent historic November flooding in Venice, participation in the Gala not only supported Save Venice’s mission, but also brought crucial patronage to the local businesses and artisans still recovering from the financial impact of the damage.
 
Generous support was provided by the event Chairs and Sponsors Tina & Jeffrey* Bolton, Lee Essex Doyle, Beatrice & José A. Esteve, Cassandra & Frederick Ilchman, Karin & Peter Leidel, Elizabeth Locke* & John Staelin, Cat Jagger Pollon, Juan Prieto, Tracey Roberts, Francesca Bortolotto Possati, and Matthew White* & Thomas Schumacher, John Wilson & Annasue McCleave Wilson, and event Benefactors Amy Harmon, Bruce Horten, Alan Howard & Caroline Byron, Christopher Todd Page, and Merrill Shields & Dr. M. Ray Thomasson.
 
Experts and Presenters: Christopher Apostle*, Alberto Craievich, Daniele D’Anz, Nora Gietz, Frederick Ilchman*, Ian Kelly, Gabriele Matino, Cleo Nisse, Xavier Salomon*

 

PHOTO CAPTIONS

Top Left: Isabella de Luca Chartouni, Skylar Pinchal, Shana Davis, Casey Kohlberg, Christina Senia, Lizzie Asher

1. Skylar Pinchal, Caroline Byron ©Matteo Prandoni BFA.com 

2. Shana Davis, Sherry & Larry Davis ©Matteo Prandoni BFA.com

3. Shana Davis, Christina Senia at Ca' Rezzonico Museum ©Save Venice Young Friends

4. Polina Proshkina, Daniel Ezra, Lizzie Asher, Yan Assoun ©Save Venice Young Friends

5. Matthew White, Thomas Schumacher ©Matteo Prandoni BFA.com

6. Maribel Lieberman ©Maribel Lieberman

7. Lizzie Asher, Isabella Chartouni, Laura Sico, Casey Kohlberg ©Matteo Prandoni BFA.com

8. Lizzie Asher, Casey Kohlberg ©Matteo Prandoni BFA.com

9. Karin & Peter Leidel ©Matteo Prandoni BFA.com

10. Georgia Clerc, Daniel Howard ©Matteo Prandoni BFA.com

11. Charlie Ponti, Isabella DeLuca Chartouni ©Matteo Prandoni BFA.com

12. Casey Kohlberg, Lizzie Asher, Laura Hodgson, Alyson Cafiero ©Matteo Prandoni BFA.com

13. Alexandra Lind Rose, Adelina Wong Ettelson ©Matteo Prandoni BFA.com