Spring Gala Unmasked

By Jesus Decano Rama-Luna
Contributing Writer

Joseph Campbell, whose unparalleled synthesis of world tradition still merits close reading, once described the role of the artist as one who brings the images of a mythology to manifestation, without which, there is no mythology … for there are no images by which to represent culture. In Venetian culture of the middle ages and renaissance, where the great success of the mercantile class led to frequent social interaction with those whose merit derived from birth, masks served an important role. Under the cover of often elaborately constructed masks, Venetians mingled, debauched and spoke freely regardless of social rank; thus was exhibited one of the dichotomies of a mask: its equalizing anonymity permits the free expression of individuality.

Yet another dichotomy, mask as revealer, is discussed in “Masks of the Spirit,” a study of the metaphor of the mask in Mesoamerican myth and ritual. The authors explain, “the mask expresses outwardly—visually—the inner, spiritual identity of the wearer, that is, the life-force within the microcosm, and is thus a truer reflection of the wearer’s spiritual essence than his so-called real, or natural, face. Paradoxically, then, the mask simultaneously conceals and reveals the innermost spiritual force of life itself.”  Summoning Campbell, the authors explain, the Mesoamerican artist mask-maker “transmute[s] the essence of man’s relationship to the wellsprings of his being into images” and traditionally masks served not “to conceal but to reveal the inner vision of that variant of human culture which developed in Mesoamerica.”

In a few short weeks, the revelry, and perhaps mystery, of the mask will manifest at the Plains Art Museum’s 15th Annual Spring Gala.  Everyone is invited to join in.

A signature event, the theme of this year’s Spring Gala is “Masterpiece Masquerade.”  Leading the charge are several masks by Italian master Agostino Dessi, generously donated from the private collection of Marty Riske.  Born in Sardinia, Italy in 1952, Dessi studied at the Turin Academy of Art and had his first exhibition, “Totem and Mask,” at Turin’s Gold Square Gallery in 1973.  At the Gala, models will sport Dessi masks and sashay the Gala in designs by MeJeanne Couture.  Those attending are encouraged to design their own masks, in any style they like.  No ode to Venice required.  “All styles - incognito or everyday - are welcome at the Spring Gala,” says Director/CEO Colleen Sheehy in the program.  For example Kris Kerzman, Communication Manager at the Plains, plans to sport a suit and a V for Vendetta mask.

Kerzman explained that the Gala is one of the most important fundraisers of the year for the Plains’ art outreach and education programs.  These include the upcoming summer art camps for children which run June, July and August; the Kid Quest program which runs during the schoolyear; year-round art classes for adults and children; and traveling “art cases” that contain original works and lesson plans to assist rural educators in teaching kids about art.  Recently, kids participating in the Kid Quest program designed several dozen masks that will be displayed at the Gala and set the mood for a fun masquerade party.  Sally McCravey, who has volunteered at the Plains for several years and helped plan this year’s Gala explained, “the Museum is not just for art aficionados, it is a place of learning for the whole community.”

McCravey also spoke to the Gala’s importance in funding the Plains’ art education programs.  Most grants, she said, don’t cover operating costs and the Gala is an integral part of assisting the Museum in its mission of bringing art into the community.  Without community support, nonprofits like the Plains simply couldn’t exist. (what a shame that would be.)  According to one New York Times article, students who study the arts are taught to see better, to envision, to persist, to be playful and learn from mistakes, to make critical judgments and justify such judgments.  At the Gala, masqueraders have the opportunity to support artists, arts education, and find an artwork that speaks to them.

Nearly 90 artists, of local, regional and national renown have contributed works to the Gala’s silent auction, which includes six masks by Dessi.  Each attendee receives a numbered bid card and simply writes her bid number and bid on the placards accompanying the artwork.  Proceeds are split with the artists, who choose the percentage they wish to share with the Museum.  Though there are too many good artists to name them all, the auction includes work by Frank Big Bear, Alec Soth, Walter Piehl, and T.L. Solien.  A preview of the artwork opens April 23 at the Plains and each participating artist receives a complimentary ticket to the Gala.  Thus the auction furthers the Plains’ mission of “serving the community with opportunities to collect art and connect with artists in the community,” said the Plains’ Joni Janz.

Encompassing all three floors of the Plains, the Gala features food by Mosaic, wine by Happy Harry’s, cocktails by Sidestreet, and desserts by Nichole’s.  And of course there’s dancing with music by Swing Motion and Betty Does. McCravey said succintly, “it’s a really wonderful evening.”  This year promises to be especially intriguing as masked attendees intermingle throughout the galleries, themselves works of art, revealing and concealing.  Neither mask nor tux is required, and the museum will have several dozen masks on hand.  Asked how the masquerade theme will add to an always great event, Kerzman replied that the 500-600 revelers can “expect a certain amount of spectacle that we’ve never seen.” 

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IF YOU GO:
What:  Plains Art Museum’s 15th Annual Spring Gala “Masterpiece Masquerade”
When:  May 7, 2011 7 p.m.
Tickets: $90 after April 22