The Crowd: Tiffany hosts ‘Blue Book Weekend’
In celebration of “Pacific Standard Time,” the regional art program showcasing Southern California’s contribution to art from 1945 to 1980, Tiffany & Co. at South Coast Plaza, led by group director Michael Botsko, has joined forces with major arts advocates at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, as well as South Coast Plaza executives for an art exhibition.
The show, titled “On Display in Orange County: Modern and Contemporary Sculpture,” documents the creation of publicly accessible sculpture and works of art by 20th century masters, including Joan Miró, Jean Dubuffet, Richard Serra and Isamu Noguchi. The impact of art, culture, and commerce on society has been a hallmark of the Segerstrom legacy, led by South Coast Plaza managing director Henry T. Segerstrom.
The exhibit will open Tuesday at South Coast Plaza’s Penthouse level and run through the holidays.
Recently, Botsko and Tiffany & Co. on a significant national scale became the title sponsor for the “Pacific Standard Time” series, which will include more than 60 institutions presenting a collection of art that has impacted culture and society. This installation on the West Coast began at the Getty, in conjunction with the artistic and elegant presentation of the Tiffany Blue Book — a collection of the “heritage, artistry and design” of the nation’s most famous jewelry company.
Botsko escorted guests from Orange County for a “Blue Book Weekend” to preview the launch of the “Pacific Standard Time” exhibit. The crowd was treated to the culinary artistry of Suzanne Goin, one of L.A.’s most recognized chefs. Goin is the force behind three noted restaurants, including Tavern, and she has been featured in such publications as Bon Appétit, Gourmet and Saveur.
Tiffany & Co. created a celebratory dinner as a companion to the art debut at the Getty, showcasing a collection of spectacular jewels from the Blue Book. There were white diamonds, yellow diamonds, colored gemstones and innovative designs.
Next week, Tiffany & Co. will launch a similar collaboration of art, design and commerce at South Coast Plaza.
Botsko commented, “This is indeed the essence of the Tiffany & Co. culture since the company’s founding in 1837. A perfect way to launch our 175th anniversary year.”
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The Junior League of Orange County on Nov. 17 opened “Christmas Company 2011,” attracting a crowd of some 400 guests showing off their holiday best. The annual event is the largest and most important fundraiser for the League, and is chaired by super dedicated Junior League activist Julie Asher. The League hopefully will generate a profit exceeding $200,000 for its Christmas Company efforts.
The opening night celebration was chaired with style by Jennifer Gonzales Oxen and a dedicated committee. This year’s exhibition and sale, held at the O.C. Fair & Event Center, were billed “Meet Me Under The Mistletoe.” The four-day program ran through Sunday, marking its 36th year on the Orange Coast. More than 100 vendors participated, selling a wide variety of holiday themed merchandise.
Also participating were popular local restaurants including Zov’s Bistro, Lawry’s Carvery, The Auld Dubliner, Bluewater Grill, K’ya Bistro, Napa Style, Newport Rib Company, and The House of Big Fish and Ice Cold Beer, to name only a limited selection.
Sponsors of Christmas Company included Playlist 92.7 FM Radio and Orange Coast Magazine. Funds raised from the event will support a multitude of Junior League programs all throughout the year, including the important work of The Second Harvest Food Bank, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Olive Crest, the Orangewood Children’s Foundation and more.
To learn more about the work of the Junior League, go to https://www.jlocc.org or call (949) 261-0823.
THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays. B.W. Cook is editor of the Bay Window, the official publication of the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.
