Pop-art campaign concludes with gala celebrated by Loop businesses
WITH ELIZABETH HAMEL October 10, 2011 5:42PM
Lori Healey, Brent and Eloise Minor.
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Updated: January 23, 2012 3:19AM
Leaders of the Loop’s largest and most highly regarded businesses and cultural institutions gathered Sept. 30 to celebrate at the seventh annual Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation Gala, held at the shining jewel of downtown destinations: the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago.
More than 450 guests donned tuxedos and party dresses to celebrate the conclusion of “Go Do Good,” a pop-up art campaign best known for the ubiquitous yellow banners with black text that appeared this past summer throughout the Loop. Sponsored by the Chicago Loop Alliance, the temporary public art initiative — known as Art Loop 2011 — was anchored by the six-story mural at 17 N. State designed by internationally known contemporary artist Kay Rosen to inspire citizens to make a difference in Chicago’s communities and beyond. Signed lithographs of the banner were available at the gala for $200, allowing those who were involved with the campaign, or those simply wanting to commemorate it, a chance to take home a piece of Loop history.
Bill and Bea Mologousis of Pressure Washing Systems were the party’s presenting sponsors. They were joined by co-chairs Mary Ellen Smith of Golub & Co. and Bill Burfeind of Turner Construction. Burfeind and his company share a special connection with the evening’s venue, as Turner acted as general contractor for the Renzo Piano-designed masterpiece.
Other notable names spotted include the Joffrey Ballet’s artistic director, Ashley C. Wheater, and executive director, Christopher Clinton Conway; Goodman Theatre executive director Roche Schulfer; Ald. Robert Fioretti (2nd), and CLA Chairman and Broadway in Chicago President Lou Raizin.
Guests clinked glasses in a toast to the CLA leaders, followed by a dinner of watercress salad and grilled beef tenderloin. Later, partygoers headed upstairs to swing to tunes from the Bill Pollack Orchestra and enjoy mini cupcakes and tarts from the dessert buffet. Drinks were flowing and people packed the dance floor past midnight.
Tickets to the soiree went for $500 and, in total, almost $200,000 was raised to support the CLA’s mission to develop, support and promote artistic, cultural and public events that benefit the Chicago Loop.
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