Artsy Fun

Release Date: Tuesday, February 17th 2009

The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) is gearing up to host both old and new friends at its 4th Annual ARTrageous fundraising gala on Thursday, February 26, at 8th and F Streets.

The social event will take place from 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm and bring together local and national artists, patrons, contributors, sponsors and benefactors for a delightful evening designed to support the Museum’s educational programs—including the Take Five! monthly jazz concerts and Family Day.

This year, SAAM will celebrate the Modern Head, the 31-foot, steel sculpture installed outside the museum on the corner of 9th and F Streets in August 2008. Designed by famed pop-artist Roy Lichtenstein, the bright blue landmark has generated considerable buzz among spectators and the community. Look for that electric blue theme to dazzle on gala night, when the museum will roll out the “blue carpet” and illuminate Kogod Courtyard (named one of seven “new” wonders by CondeNast Traveler magazine) in blue radiance.

This year’s event will also honor those whose generosity brought Modern Head to Washington: Lichtenstein’s widow Dorothy; Jeffrey Loria, the art dealer and Florida Marlins owner, and his wife, Julie; Sam Rose, a local developer, art collector and long-time museum supporter, and his wife, Julie Walters.

Other evening highlights include a buffet dinner reception, live music, dancing and mingling in the museum's galleries. Tickets are $125; museum members receive a 20% discount. For more information, email SAAMDevelopment@si.edu, or call 202.633.4550. To purchase tickets online, visit www.AmericanArt.si.edu.