Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Guggenheim gives sneak peek at Egyptian treasures

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, March 16, 2005 | 8:13 a.m.

Bravo to the Guggenheim Hermitage for still another stunning exhibition, now on display in the museum at the Venetian.

Invited guests and museum members got the first look at "The Quest for Immortality: Treasures of Ancient Egypt" on Thursday. Dan Shewman, Guggenheim Hermitage's marketing director, greeted the steady stream of attendees ushered into the temperature-controlled exhibition rooms to explore the ancient treasures.

Guests included Flora Mason, Sue Lowden, Judge Mark and Alice Denton, Gloria Fine, David Canter, Kurt Mische (KLVX Channel 10) and Sheila McKay.

On display in the multiple cabinets was delicate jewelry of gold set against semiprecious gems of lapis lazuli, carnelian, feldspar and turquoise, drawing the attention of Roger Thomas (Wynn Las Vegas) and son Andrew, a drama student at Las Vegas Academy of Performing Arts.

Nearby were marvels of greater size -- sandstone tomb pieces, bronze statuary, golden masks, funeral jars and ancient tools, each with a descriptor of where and when they were found. Those touring the exhibition were provided with self-directed listening devices giving greater commentary on each numbered display.

Elizabeth Herridge, the museum's executive director, was hostess to the opening reception held on the Venetian's spacious verandah on the lip of the front canals of the resort.

Celebrating the exhibition's Las Vegas run through July 31 was William Weidner, president-chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp., the parent company of the Venetian, and his wife, Lynn. They were joined by members of the Egyptian delegation representing Cairo University and Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, in addition to Teit Ritzau and Amy Seitz, both of United Exhibit Group, who formed the coalition with the Guggenheim Hermitage to make the touring exhibition possible.

Enjoying both the tour and the balmy evening air of the party were Matthew Hileman (Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art), Art Wolf with wife Holly Chaffee, Judge Sandra Pomeranz, Rosalee Blackman and Ellen Grossman, both of the Las Vegas Art Museum, Patrick Duffy with Wally Goodman, and Brenda O'Boyle (UNLV Foundation) with David Griego.

The exhibit, open daily to the public, is also available for group events and will be included in the Guggenheim Hermitage's extensive outreach program to Southern Nevada schoolchildren.

McGuire hosts benefit

Phyllis McGuire opened her Rancho Circle home March 8 for a lavish gathering to benefit the Nevada Cancer Institute.

David Forster, president of Leron Linens, served as McGuire's co-host. Forster came from New York with an extensive display of European-made custom linens for bed, bath, dining and baby.

Set down among the art and antiques of McGuire's elegant home, the exquisite linens caught the attention of Becky Binion Behnen, a fellow collector, as well as newlyweds Norm and Sharon Jenkins, Carolyn Muse Grant, Karen Barrett, artist Jeanne Maxwell Williams and harpist Karen Gott.

Pausing by the fanciful array of holiday-themed linens were Mari Landers and Abby Geyer (both of Saks Fifth Avenue), Mariam Afshai (Cartier) and Brenda Holmes. Nevada Cancer Institute received 12 percent of each sale made at the event.

A jazz duo entertained and served as accompaniment for McGuire's lovely voice. After shopping, many joined friends on the tiered patio or crossed the swan pool to the guest house and ice cream parlor adjacent to the tennis courts.

Thanking guests for their support were Dawn Russi and Heather Wu, representing the Nevada Cancer Institute.

Gerbers honored

Husband and wife, as well as career colleagues for 40 years, Connie and Chuck Gerber have spent their professional lives at Bishop Gorman High School, where they first met in 1965 as classroom teachers.

Most recently Connie has served the last seven years as principal, while Chuck has concentrated on coaching and teaching college-prep mathematics.

On March 9 the couple were awarded the school's highest service honor -- the Royal Order of the Gael at the 23rd annual "Knight of the Gael" dinner. Texas Station and the Fertitta family once again hosted the benefit evening with proceeds devoted to Gorman's extensive scholarship program and school-enrichment efforts.

Many of the more than 800 supporters attending the event gravitated to the display model of Bishop Gorman High School, taking note of the state-of-the art science and technology buildings, expanded sports fields, tennis complex, larger chapel and additional classrooms.

Building plans were submitted for approval on March 7 with hopes for a spring groundbreaking and a fall 2006 occupancy.

Joining the throng to visit with friends and fellow parents were Emilio and Maria Fernandez, Kim Gerringer, coach Ryan Pietranton, Jack Behnen with his mother, Becky Binion Behnen, Craig King, Lisa Heck, Realtor Steve Schneider and wife Joyce, Councilwoman Lois Tarkanian, Judge Bill Jansen, Jaymie Morris and Laura Lynn McCarthy.

Family groups were plentiful, among them Mary Jo and Rossi Ralenkotter with daughters Robin and Tiffany, joined by John Mowbray, Brian Buckley and Father John J. McVeigh.

Mike and Debbie Miller were seen with Phil Hernandez (Neiman Marcus), Linda Errichetto, Dr. Richard and Sherry Colquitt, June and Frank Nails, Kathy Warnke with niece Jennifer Simich and Simich's fiance, Michael McDonald. Nearby was architect Domingo Cambeiro, Mike Nolan (Coast Casinos) and Leslie Parraguirre (Colors) with Maria Branchini and Denise and Tim Cashman, who spoke of the school's continued capital campaign for construction of the new campus.

Susan Sullivan, whose late husband, Kenneth J. Sullivan, was the 2002 Royal Order of the Gael awardee, was present with family members Michael and Katy Thomas and Becky and Steve Sullivan and longtime friend Phyllis McGuire.

At tables ringing the stage were other previous honorees and family Maria and Ted Quirk, Rene and John O'Reilly, Dr. Gerald and Lucia Higgins, Gov. Bob and Sandy Miller, University Regent Thalia Dondero and the original honoree Jackie Gaughan, whose son, Michael Gaughan, gave a rousing tribute speech on behalf of the Gerbers.

Listening attentively to the presentations were Vicki Quinn, Dr. Tony and Rene Marlon, Sandee Tiberti, Sheriff Bill and Sandy Young, Lynn Wiesner, Danny Tarkanian, Marilyn Loop and Nancy Craft.

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