The Crowd:

“The excitement has returned to Art of Dining,” commented glamorous Valaree Wahler, Corona del Mar socialite attending the Orange County Museum of Art’s 2010 gala fundraiser Saturday evening at the Island Hotel, Newport Beach. Her sentiment was shared by the crowd of more than 300 high-spirited guests who believe in the museum and its present and future role on the cultural map of the O.C.

Once considered the most exclusive social event on the competitive spring roster of galas, Art of Dining lost its sheen as the economic downturn spread over the robust and brave new world of California’s wealthiest community. It was not just the economy. The museum guard changed. Actually, it changed several times, and its vision changed as well. Many of the “traditionalists” left the camp as exhibitions as well as the permanent collection shifted from a mix of coastal plein air oils and a dabble of contemporary to a much more cutting-edge concentration on the forward view.

As the museum has worked to define its path, director Dennis Szakacs has enlisted the support of the community sharing the vision. Craig Wells serves as board chair and was front and center with Szakacs welcoming the exuberant assemblage who had come together to honor Sidney B. Felsen, L.A. based co-founder of Gemini G.E.L. (Graphic Editions Limited), a world-class art house responsible for reproducing limited editions of the work of many of the most celebrated artists of our time.

Felsen, wearing his signature black felt Fedora, a creme-colored silk scarf draped around his neck over his tuxedo, shared his thanks with the dinner crowd.

“I am most appreciative for this recognition, and especially for the attendance tonight of my dear friend James Rosenquist,” offered the diminutive man.

He has had a major influence in the world of contemporary art through his lifelong close relationships with such artists as Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg, Ed Ruscha, Frank Stella, Jasper Johns, and his close friend James Rosenquist, who had flown in from New York that day to be in attendance and was returning to New York the following morning due to a family health emergency.

“When I was contacted concerning this honor I asked, why me?” said the self-deprecating Felsen.

The “why” was simple. Felsen’s hand-printed lithographs created over a career of more than 40 years have made art accessible to thousands of people worldwide. He has created an avenue, a market for artists enabling them to express their genius to a wide audience that might not have been possible in the same manner otherwise.

Felsen waxed nostalgic about his friendships with artists, sharing moments of past pleasures with then-young daughter Suzanne and his wife fishing on the Malibu pier with Ed Ruscha. A magnificent book of Felsen’s photographs, including many intimate portraits of his lifelong associations with the artists, was gifted to each patron at the conclusion of the evening.

Felsen commented, “I am the luckiest man alive!”

The evening at the Island Hotel was both gracious and lively. The party began with a cocktail reception at the museum down the boulevard, then moved to The Island ballroom for dinner prepared by Chef Bill Bracken and dancing to the retro ’70s tribute band known as Boogie Knights. The decor was orchestrated by White Lilac Events, and it was superbly elegant yet understated, a perfect fit for the museum.

Produced by a committee of dedicated art lovers led by Marsha Anderson, Inga Beder, Susan Etchandy, Michelle Janavs and Moira Kamgar, the party was a monumental success. Twyla Martin, Irene Martino, Lilly Merage, Susan Paek, Lizette Du Pribus, Jennifer Segerstrom and Jennifer Van Bergh were also instrumental in making a difference for the museum.

Spotted in the crowd were the very chic Elizabeth and Henry Segerstrom, Pamela Paul and Jack Cancellieri, Debra Gunn Downing and Chuck Kanter, Elizabeth An, Kimberly and Eduardo Prado, Cindy and Steve Fry, Jean and Tim Weiss, Olivia and Howard Abel, Alison and Brad Schweitzer and Carmela and Malcolm Phillips.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.