The Springfield Museums presents an elegant evening in support of the arts and education on Thursday, October 24, 5:30-8:30 pm. Held in conjunction with special exhibitions featuring master glass artists Louis Comfort Tiffany and Josh Simpson, Cheers! is fundraiser to benefit the Museums. Tickets are $125 per person, with reservations requested by October 17 at SpringfieldMuseums.org/cheers.
“Our unforgettable Cheers! winetasting and art auction will help ensure that we are able to fulfill our mission to use art, history, science, and Dr. Seuss to promote engagement, literacy and learning,” says Kay Simpson, President and CEO of the Springfield Museums. “Contributions and support received this year will help us meet our highest priority goal to welcome children, families and visitors of all ages to the joyful experience of visiting our Museums.”
Both silent and live auctions will give guests opportunities to bid on unique works of art and experiences generously donated to the Museums. Highlights include charming paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries from an anonymous donor, and a variety of works by Josh Simpson from collectors Jonathan and Katie Oakleaf. Experiences include tastings at local vineyards, a private guided wine blending session for up to ten people, and a seven-day Cape Cod vacation in a custom-built home near picturesque Pleasant Bay and PahWah Pond.
The evening also includes a tasting of five wines, curated by Susan Beaudry of Beau Co. Wine. A former nonprofit executive, Susan’s discerning palate and passion for cooking has set her up for success in the wine industry. She loves food, wine, and flavor and relishes the stories of vineyards and pairings. Susan has selected wines from France, Italy and Germany, countries that have a deep and rich history in both winemaking and glassmaking.
Attendees will have the opportunity to tour two blockbuster fall exhibitions: Tiffany’s Gardens in Glass and Gilded Echoes: The Tiffany Influence on Josh Simpson’s Glasswork. “Visitors will be captivated by the striking parallels between Tiffany’s lush botanical designs and Simpson’s imaginative glass creations in Gilded Echoes,” says Heather Haskell, Vice President and Director of the Art Museums. “The exhibitions beautifully celebrate two visionary glass artists, bridging the timeless elegance of Tiffany’s work with Simpson’s modern brilliance.”
Supporters of the Museums who are unable to attend can still participate in the silent auction, opening October 17, no matter where they happen to be. The Museums are partnering with Qtego, a mobile auction platform, allowing art and wine lovers to bid on items right from their smartphones.
The presenting sponsor of Cheers! is St. Germain Investment Management, with support from Meredith-Springfield, Baystate Health, Berkshire Bank, Brian Nics Productions, the Campbell Family, Durocher Florist, Freedom Credit Union, Mark Keroack, M.D. and Ann Errichetti, M.D., David Longworth, M.D. and Jo-Ann Davis, Esq., NAI Plotkin, Jay and Claudia O’Brien, Pullman & Comley, The Republican, Rush Insurance, Mara Sfara Fine Art, Kay and John Simpson, Teed Capital Management, Trendency Research, and TSM Design.