Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Venetian exhibit kicks off with private party

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2003 | 8:33 a.m.

Las Vegas' elite enjoyed a private party and tour as part of the kickoff for "A Century of Painting: From Renoir to Rothko," on display at Guggenheim Hermitage Museum at The Venetian.

Sponsored by Sheldon Adelson and his wife, Dr. Miriam Adelson, and jointly hosted by Lutece with its celebrated chef, David Feau, and new general manager, Janice Nase, the Wednesday evening event began with cocktails and delectables served on the Lutece terrace overlooking The Venetian's front canal and picturesque gondolas.

Elizabeth Herridge, museum director of the Guggenheim Hermitage, welcomed guests including Euclides Del Moral Arbona, assistant consul general for Mexico, and Judi Steele, executive director of the Clark County Public Education Foundation, joined by Bob Forbuss, Mike Novick and Philip Neraud.

Adding his special spark to the evening was actor Dennis Hopper, who snapped photos and posed in a few with fellow guests throughout the evening.

Tracey Bashkoff, associate curator for collections and exhibitions, gave an insightful talk on each of the artists represented, as guests explored the four rooms of art within the museum. Soaking in the beauty of the diverse array were Wally Goodman and Patrick Duffey, Dr. Louisa McDonald, Larry Ruvo, Rob and Sheryl Goldstein and Bob and Pattie Vernon.

Others admiring the surroundings were Sandra and Tito Tiberti, Bruce Layne, Mary Ann Rivera, Chris and Shandon Smith, Beverly and Mike Mykisen, Sondra Lynch and husband Robert Mann and university Regent Mark Alden.

Dinner commentary led by Thomas Krens, director of the Guggenheim Foundation, touched on the magnificence of the exhibit, scheduled to remain in place until May 2. Krenz also stressed the museum's desire to be a part of Las Vegas' cultural life for residents and visitors alike.

Its educational tours have been successful -- the museum has shared its bounty with some 4,000 students to date -- and now the Guggenheim Hermitage hopes its "Free After Five to Nevada Residents on Thursdays" program will generate a broader audience among locals. Corporate and individual support is also deemed essential for the museum's continued presence in the community.

The five-course dinner that followed was the perfect match to the richness of the art. Served in a manner most conducive to the gentle art of conversation and discussion of art, it was an occasion applauded by Susan Houston, J.A. Tiberti, Sandy Miller, Marcia Leeman, J.D. Hancock and Bill and Lynn Weidner as they complimented Feau during the dessert course.

Departing guests were presented with exhibition catalogs containing artist biographies and color plates of all works on exhibit.

Bidding stars

Splendid times are ahead for Ann and John Miller, along with Jacque and David Matthews, the top bidders for walk-on roles on CBS' megahit shows "CSI" and "CSI: Miami" on Saturday evening at the Dinosaur Ball.

Both couples, avid in their support of the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, gave generously when writing $7,500 checks for their roles.

Las Vegas residents Anthony Zuiker, creator and executive producer of both television programs, and his wife, Jennifer, personally pushed the bidding to frenzied levels and then crowned the bids with matching contributions. They will also provide air and hotel accommodations for each of the budding "television stars."

The Dinosaur Ball was held at the Hyatt Regency, Lake Las Vegas. Funds raised make possible new exhibits and offerings to schoolchildren.

The featured speaker was Dr. Luis Chiappe, a renown paleontologist who discovered the world's largest dinosaur nesting site in Argentina. That site is the focus of the "Tiniest Giants: Discovering Dinosaur Eggs," a traveling exhibit on display through Dec. 31 at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, 900 Las Vegas Blvd. North, adjacent to Cashman Field.

Roz Santangelo, two-term president of the museum, with the help of Marilyn Gillespie, executive director, and longtime supporter Nate Tannenbaum, led the evening's program recognizing Kirk Clausen, president/chief executive officer of Wells Fargo Nevada, with the 2004 Dino Award.

This golden statue, a fanciful, rather wizened dinosaur created in the style of the film industry's Oscars, brought a smile to the faces of all present. Wells Fargo Nevada, which generously underwrote costs for the African Savannah murals and exhibit room as well as Cox Communications' recent Dinosaur Desk computer design activity center, was featured in the ongoing slide show of museum favorites at the dinner dance.

Glimpsed in the throng of supporters were museum board members Carolyn Sparks, David Hehn, chairman-elect Charles Creigh, Mike Fauci, Stephanie Stallworth, Michael Davidson, Jeff Harrison, Peter Harvey, Marcia Washington, Ed Jamison and County Commissioner Rory Reid.

Other supporters included David Watts, Richard Davis, Linda Wilcock, John Muije, Linda Tannenbaum, Arnold Lopez, Cathi Poer Smith, Savannah Stallworth, Mark Roach, Lucille Beirdneau, Elise Wright with daughter Makayla, and Bob and Tai Walsh, all seen in action at the silent auction tables.

Dancing to the sounds of "Midnight Express" were Steve and Deni Conrad, Tim and Sharry Quillin, Rene and John O'Reilly, Jan and Ernie Crandy and Pat and Brad Nelson, joined by Cindy and David Dreibelbis, Gladys and Steve Comer and Troy and Selma Bartlett.

Departing gifts, twin packs of Krispy Creme doughnuts, were a particular favorite with former Sen. Richard Bryan.

Funds for Fox

Every year Four Seasons hotels around the globe hold fund-raisers in memory of Terry Fox, a former employee and valiant figure in his fight against cancer. In the past, Four Seasons (Mandalay Bay) has held both a Terry Fox run/walk event and a dining gala.

This year the fund-raising efforts to benefit the UNLV Cancer Research Center will begin with the Terry Fox run/walk on Saturday at Sun City Anthem, an event for all ages. For more information, call 632-5333.

New this year is the Teddy Bear Tea Party from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. ll in the Four Season's Palm Room.

The event includes a preview tour of the Teddy Bear suite (always a popular attraction for the holidays) and the chance to bid on air and hotel destination packages to both national and international Four Seasons hotels. Reservations for the Teddy Bear Tea Party are required, so please call 632-5249.

Bash for Bernie

Bernie Yuman, known to many as Siegfried & Roy's manager for 28 years, is also a man of remarkable giving and good character. His personal endeavors on behalf of Las Vegas and the world of entertainment have led to his selection as Man of the Year by Congregation Ner Tamid.

Among the notables serving as honorary co-chairs of the dinner event on Nov. 22 are Dan Marino, Jerry Weintraub, Anthony Hopkins, Brian Greenspun, Sen. Harry Reid, Steve Wynn and Bobby Baldwin. Joining them will be Yuman's friend of 41 years -- and client of four years -- Muhammad Ali.

Michael Unger, dinner chairman, reports the event at Caesars Palace is a labor of love for committee members Jerry and Yvonne Gordon, Dr. Larry and Jacky Rosen, Lynette and Stuart Solomon, Roberta Unger, Marilyn and Jack Bulavsky, Marla and Tom Letizia and Drew and Debbie Levy, to name just a few.

Yuman's Man of Honor designation reflects his efforts to improve the quality of life in Las Vegas and his many charitable endeavors. To attend, please call 733-6292.