Spring Benefit 2024

Event Details

Thursday, May 16th

VIP Check-in: 6-6:30 pm
VIP Reception: 6:30-7:30 pm
Main Reception: 7:30-9:30 pm

Dress: Spring Chic (wedges or flat shoes encouraged)

Co-chairs: Cynthia Steele Vance and Mandy Mafi

Venue: McLean home of Mark Lowham and Joseph Ruzzo

About Spring Benefit
McLean Project for the Arts’ signature spring fête, Spring Benefit, will take place on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at a private residence in McLean, VA. MPA relies on the funds raised at Spring Benefit to further its mission to educate and inspire the community through contemporary visual arts exhibitions and arts education programs—including MPA ArtReach, which extends these exhibitions into the community through gallery tours and workshops for FCPS Title I elementary schools and other underserved groups who encounter obstacles in accessing the visual arts. Cynthia Steele Vance and Mandy Mafi will co-chair this year’s event.

This year’s Spring Benefit will feature an exhibition of works by Chee Keong Kung, a contemporary artist specializing in metal and mixed media sculptures and installations. Masters in the art of “turning a room full of guests into a ball,” local band DC Martini will provide entertainment for the evening. Our silent auction will feature the Roche Bobois Apex ottoman, designed by Sacha Lakic. Entirely round and quilted, this ottoman offers the perfect blend of aesthetics and comfort. Its unique design, shape, and size make it a versatile seating option that easily complements any interior decor. Delegate Kathleen Murphy, who recently retired after representing Virginia’s 34th District since 2015, will serve as this year’s Spring Benefit Guest of Honor.

Spring Benefit Entertainment

Abbie Palmer

Abbie Palmer, Multi-Genre Harpist
Born into a performing musical family, Abbie Palmer has been employed and performed at many medical sites and performance venues within the national capital region. In 2010 she received degrees in music therapy and performance from Shenandoah Conservatory, and since then has explored an extensive array of possible outlets as a person living a life dedicated to music.

Raffle and Silent Auction

Raffle

The Spring Benefit Raffle features many high-value items. Tickets 1 for $50, 3 for $100, or 6 for $200. All tickets will be entered to win one of the following three items:

Silent Auction

Our silent auction will feature two items–a Maremi Hooff Andreozzi painting and a Roche Bobois Lady B Chair with Kenzo Takada Pillow:

• Roche Bobois Lady B Chair: Created by Cécile Maia Pujol, winner of the 2014 Roche Bobois Design Award, the Roche Bobois Lady B armchair is an eco-friendly reinterpretation of the traditional conversation chair intended to “encourage dialogue and to give users a different perspective on their surrounding.” (Value $2,800)
• Maremi Hooff Andreozzi Painting: Through her work, Maremi Hooff Andreozzi creates symbolic portraits of inspirational woman in history and celebrate their narratives. Maremi has exhibited her work regionally and nationally. Her 2021 two-person show, “May You Live in Interesting Times” at Adah Rose’s Gallery was reviewed by Mark Jenkins in The Washington Post. Her painting, “The Suffragists” was exhibited in the Phillip’s Collection show, “Inside Outside Upside Down”. She is represented by Adah Rose’s Gallery in Kensington, MD. (Lawn Dress, 18 in x 24 in x 1 in; acrylic on canvas; 2022. Value $2,500)

Sponsorships

A wide variety of sponsorship levels are available–offering options for both individuals and corporate entities.

Questions? For more information, please contact Jen Wormser at jwormser@mpaart.org.

Please note: Sponsorship packages are intended to be purchased by one entity. At this time, we cannot accommodate splitting packages between individuals, companies, or families. MPA is a nonprofit organization and our events raise critical funds needed to support our mission-based programs.

For donors interested in giving from a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), please note that IRS regulations do not permit any benefits, including tickets, to be conferred in connection with DAF contributions. IRS regulations state that ticket costs, including both cost of goods/services and charitable amount, should be paid for from sources other than a DAF.

For donors interested in employer matching gifts, please contact MPA first to determine the tax-deductible amount.

McLean Project for the Arts is a non-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization, with the tax identification number of EIN #52-1374407. Your donation (less cost of goods and services) is considered a charitable contribution under the U.S. Tax Laws. Consult your tax advisor to determine the extent of the applicable tax deduction.