A Bowers Gala Made in the Jade

Hundreds of art lovers streamed into the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art in Santa Ana on Saturday for a gala benefit previewing the new exhibit, “Jade: Ch’ing Dynasty Treasures From the National Museum of History, Taiwan” (through March 1). More than 300 jade carvings were on display at the black-tie gala, which included a sit-down dinner, silent and live auctions and dance performances by Chinese artists.

“This is our most beautiful exhibit ever,” a museum spokesman said of the display that featured emerald to lavender-hued teapots, bracelets, vases, wine cups, scepters and table screens.

More than 500 guests dined on herb-poached salmon and filet of beef before they enjoyed a dessert masterpiece--a white chocolate bowl filled with dark chocolate mousse. Guests were invited to savor the concoction using chocolate chopsticks. Proceeds of about $200,000 will benefit museum exhibitions and education programs.

Anne Shih co-chaired the gala with Stephen and Susan Chandler. Mary Muth was honorary chairwoman. Guests included museum President Peter C. Keller; exhibit curator Pauline Kao (curator of the National History Museum of Taipei); museum board president Lowell Martindale Jr.; Henry and Renee Segerstrom; Sharon Lesk; and U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Garden Grove).