Rauschenberg Cancels O.C. Appearance

An accident has forced artist Robert Rauschenberg to cancel his appearance at a major fund-raising event for the Orange County Museum of Art.

Rauschenberg, 76, was scheduled to accept an achievement award Sunday during the “Art of Dining XIV.” His longtime friend, Sidney Felsen, who co-founded the famed Gemini G.E.L. printmaking studio in Los Angeles, will accept the honor in his place.

Rauschenberg underwent surgery this week for a leg injury.

The seminal American contemporary artist created a limited-edition screen print in eight hand-printed colors valued at $2,200 each for this year’s event, with proceeds to benefit the museum education programs.

The nearly sold-out, $1,000-per-guest “Art of Dining XIV” gala features decor designed by Neiman Marcus. The event will be at the Palm Garden of the Four Seasons hotel in Newport Beach.