The Museum of Design Atlanta takes a thoroughly modern turn with its next exhibit, “Eero Saarinen: A Reputation for Innovation,” a retrospective of the Finnish-born architect opening April 14.
Curated by architect, architectural historian and Georgetown University professor Mina Marefat, the exhibit tracks the design principles Saarinen followed and his achievements, including the Saint Louis Gateway Arch, the TWA Terminal at New York’s JFK Airport and Washington’s Dulles Airport. The show also explores a little-known chapter of Saarinen’s professional life when he served in the Office of Strategic Services during World War II.
Also known for his furniture design, including a long association with Knoll, Saarinen died in 1961 at age 51 during an operation for a brain tumor. Design Within Reach still carries his “tulip” chairs as well as a variety of tables and ottomans.
“Eero Saarinen: A Reputation for Innovation” will run through June 30. MODA admission is $10, $8 seniors, $5 students with valid ID and ages 6-17. 1315 Peachtree St., Atlanta.
, www.museumofdesign.org.
VISUAL ART
Build your art collection, help a museum
The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia (MOCA GA) will hold its annual MOCA Gala Art Auction from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday.
A change this year is that the Buckhead museum is emphasizing its silent auction area, where bidding will be by smart phone or mobile device (or, for those unequipped, a MOCA GA computer). In addition, potential bidders will be able to preview the artwork and bid online by signing in at www.501auctions.com/moca.
The live auction will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets, $150, include a full bar and catered buffet, available throughout the evening.
Scan the long list of top-flight contributing Georgia artists at www.mocaga.org. MOCA GA is at 75 Bennett St., Atlanta.
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ARTS
Contemporary preps for an updating
The Atlanta Contemporary Art Center has announced plans for a $500,000 renovation to its home since 1989, planned for mid-June to late September.
The Atlanta architectural firm Bldgs has been commissioned to create an updated and more efficient design. Planned enhancements include a new lecture hall and event space; redesigned lobby, reception areas and restrooms; a weather-proof covering and new lighting for the outdoor pavilion, making it suitable year-round programs and events; a redesigned resource room with natural light; and new energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems.
The Contemporary, located in a converted 1920s warehouse complex just west of downtown, continues to raise funds for the renovation. Donations may be made to the Contemporary at 535 Means St. NW, Atlanta. More information: Lane Conville-Canney, development director,
, Ext. 211, or lconville-canney@thecontemporary.org.
Woodruff appoints fund-raising leader
The Woodruff Arts Center has named Janine A. Mushol, who has worked for five years as the United States Olympic Committee’s chief development officer, as the Atlanta organization’s vice president of advancement.
Musholt, who begins June 1, will be responsible for Woodruff fund-raising efforts including its annual corporate campaign, as well as coordinating with the Woodruff’s divisions (Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, High Museum of Art and Young Audiences) on their fundraising efforts.
The Woodruff and its divisions raise $35 million annually in contributions to arts presenting and arts education programs.
Under Musholt’s leadership, the USOC raised more than $50 million annually and increased contributions each year from 2009 through 2012. She created its development strategies and led its fundraising program, including gifts, capital projects, direct mail, telemarketing, grants and gift planning. On her watch, digital media and social networking were added to update the USOC’s fund-raising efforts.
Musholt “has been very successful in working with individuals, corporations and foundations on behalf of the USOC while also providing fund-raising guidance and leadership for 47 distinct Olympic sports organizations,” Woodruff CEO Virginia Hepner said in a statement. “She understands the opportunities we have at the Woodruff.”
The new Woodruff vice president said, “I’ve had a lifelong passion for the arts and I’m thrilled to be able to marry my fund-raising experience with my love for music, art, theater and education.”
She will succeed Beauchamp Carr, who retired last year after a 35-year fund-raising career at Atlanta’s largest arts organization.
Meanwhile, the Woodruff reports that it has raised $6.8 million in the first six months of its Annual Campaign, nearly three-quarters of its $9.2 million goal.
A recent major contributor was the UPS Foundation, which donated $300,000, with $100,000 of that going to the Carr Challenge Fund, which provides a two-to-one match for all new and increased gifts of $5,000 or more. The UPS Foundation also made separate donations of $50,000 to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, $25,000 (not counting $80,000 in-kind contributions) to support the High Museum’s exhibition series drawn from the Museum of Modern Art and $5,000 to toward the High’s current “Frida & Diego” exhibit.
The Carr matching program ends April 15. The annual campaign continues through the end of May. To donate, call
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