Article by Ron Ortiz, Photos by Al Trombetta
This year's Michigan Modernism Exhibition Preview Party saw the Detroit Area Art Deco
Society team up with ArtServe Michigan, last year's lone sponsor.
After a short hiatus, DAADS welcomed the opportunity to work with ArtServe in sharing preview party responsibilities. ArtServe Michigan, a nonprofit state wide arts advocacy group, worked well with DAADS as both organizations support the arts in one fashion or another. DAADS and ArtServe Michigan sponsors, patrons and supporters helped to make the event a huge social and financial success. Both organizations shared in the expenses as well as with volunteer duties and in planning details such as catering and entertainment.
The event, held on Friday, April 22, 2005, served as a cooperative fundraiser for both not-for-profit organizations. There was a marked increase in attendance from the previous two preview parties that resulted in increased revenue shared by DAADS and ArtServe Michigan. Besides the opportunity to preview and purchase the wonderful displays of interesting and rare 20th century objects de' art and furniture, our guests partied to the sounds of DJ powdrblu and feasted on absolutely delicious hors d'oeuvres served by Antonio's Italian Market in Sterling Heights. AI Trombetta also arranged to have several ice sculptures on display at the dessert tables. Roy Calo, who owns and operates Creative Ice Sculptors of St. Clair Shores, did the ice. The fabulous dessert table included a chocolate fountain with fresh fruit for dipping as well as some exotic pastries. Papa Joe's donated complimentary white and red wines for the occasion.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, Rebecca L'Ecuyer staged a fashion show that covered the 1940s through the 1960s. DAADS volunteers Mickey Stein, Susan Surletta and Galina Spears modeled some beautiful vintage attire with style and elan. Rebecca described each outfit in detail as the ladies paraded on the center stage. Ms. L'Ecuyer also was in charge of a silent "raffle" where guests who bought raffle tickets could chose to place their tickets on one or any of the many attractive items that were contributed by show dealers, local businesses and private collectors.
DAADS members deserving recognition for doing an outstanding job are committee chairpersons, AI Trobetta, Amy LaBarge, Rebecca L'Ecuyer, Gary Spondike, Robert Shapiro and Rebecca Savage. DAADS members who were represented at the Michigan Modernism Exposition were Carl and Robin Cohen, Doug Ramsey, Bill Triola, Amy LaBarge, Kate Ostrove and Joe Del Guidice.
There were approximately 400 attendees at the preview party. Judging from the feedback on the event, it appears that the Michigan Modernism Preview Party is once again on track to become "the party to see and be seen at." You can be sure that DAADS will be doing its part to make that happen.
