Art Museum Fete Takes the Cake

“Everyone make a wish for the Laguna Art Museum!” Dolores Milhous told guests who were about to dig into birthday cake at the museum’s 75th anniversary bash on Sunday.

After enjoying a reception on the terrace of the Robert Mondavi Wine and Food Center in Costa Mesa, guests dined on Sichuan shrimp, roast leg of lamb and individual lemon cream cakes.

Each cake was set with a flaming taper. When Milhous, 75th anniversary chairwoman, blew out her candle, she wished for “another million-dollar grant for the museum. A challenge grant like the million dollars that Barbara Steele Williams gave us in February (via the Harry and Grace Steel Foundation, founded by Williams’ parents). We have already raised $500,000 to match that challenge.”

During the festivities, Williams--who was represented by her daughter, Susan Bartlett, because Williams was ill--accepted the honors for her mother.

Museum director Charles Desmarais said Williams “had played a leadership role that has moved the museum to a new level of excellence and service to the community.”

Added Jon Erickson, president of the museum’s board of trustees: “Mrs. Williams’ vision and generosity toward the museum has spanned nearly two decades . . . has been a catalyst to every major step in the museum’s growth.

“As the 75th anniversary approached, Mrs. Williams recognized the need to strengthen the museum’s financial base once again, to support the high standard of programming the community has come to expect.

“Tonight, we are halfway toward making the Steele Foundation challenge. We hope to reach the $2 million goal by December, at the end of our 75th anniversary year.”

Bartlett stood before guests and read a note her mother had composed. Among her comments: “When I see what the museum has become, it is hard to believe. I see that the old spirit is alive and well.” Established in 1918, the museum houses an extensive permanent collection of California art from the 19th Century to the present.

Other donors honored at the gala were the Fieldstone Foundation, the Segerstrom Family Foundation, Gerald E. Buck, Darrel Anderson, Pacific Mutual Foundation, BankAmerica Foundation, John and Teri Kennady and Donald and Dorothy Bendetti.

Elyse Caraco Miller was gala chairwoman. Debi Bremner and Marla Bird were co-chairwomen. Also among the guests were former museum director Tom Enman and Ted and Suzanne Paulson, Ken Bird, Tom and Elizabeth Tierney, Tom Magill, Renee and Henry Segerstrom, Don and Claudette Shaw and Jo Ann Erickson.

Committee members included: Deeann Baldwin, Darlene Gerken, Janice Johnson, Marilyn Lynch, Jo Ellen Qualls (of Tiffany & Co., donor of the party invitations and champagne flute favors) Ann Summers and Janelle Lewis.