A warm evening in late September at The Montage Laguna Beach was a fitting tableau for the 26th annual Collector’s Choice Juried Art Auction and Fundraiser for the Laguna College of Art and Design. A fashionable flock of more than 330 guests walked among the paintings and sculptures before heading into the grand gallery for cocktails and open bidding on works of art from former and current students during a silent auction.
While the band Magnolia Memoir played, partygoers congratulated event chairs Nelson Coates and Laura Rohl for their contributions to the college.
The McBeth Foundation, which makes grants to benefit a range of issues including the arts, received the inaugural LCAD Creative Partnership Award, with LCAD President Jonathan Burke presenting a bronze sculpture of LCAD founder, artist and philanthropist, Nellie Gail Moulton.
Master sculptor Richard McDonald surprised Burke with a gift of his work, “Blind Faith,” to honor Burke’s 35 years of leadership and service.
“I am more than overwhelmed,” Burke said. “It has been such an incredible journey.”
After the awards, it was time for a lavish prawn and short rib dinner followed by a spirited live auction, completing the evening that netted $310,000 for student programs and scholarships.
