March 19, 2016
BY JUDY CARMACK BROSS
The Woman’s Board of the Art Institute’s lecture and luncheon on March 9 was all about the sixties: the swinging decade informed not only the art and music on the agenda for the day, but the weather, as well. Temperatures soared into springtime territory, beckoning guests into breezy pastels in tribute. President Laura Werner wore a crisp apricot coat dress, luncheon chair Nancy Santi donned deep rose, and a bevvy of Chicago’s most recognizable civic leaders in similar soft shades heard James Rondeau, the newly announced AIC president and Eloise W. Martin director, speak on the museum’s Edlis/Neeson collection of 44 internationally acclaimed masterpieces. Music from the free love era filled the air as guests entered Terzo Piano and found their places at tables, which were ringing in spring in white and green.
Colleen Thornburg, Francie Comer, Jamee Field, Margie Stineman, Ann Grube, Meg Sauer, Heather Black, Karen Howell, Prue Beidler, Kay Krehbiel, Audrey Tuggle, Gloria Groom, Suzanne McCullagh, Charlene Olson, Jean Atchison, Helen Mills, and Eve Rogers were among the lucky ladies to get their reservations in early. The luncheon sold out in less than two weeks.
Laura Werner spoke movingly about the Ruth Powell Museum Visit Fund, which provides transportation scholarships for Chicago area students. A docent at the museum for over 50 years, Ruth was committed to the idea that every child, regardless of means, should be able to experience the joy of art:
“While the Art Institute doesn’t charge school groups, it is the cost of bus transportation to and from the museum that proves to be the obstacle. The goal for the coming year is to award 120 scholarships so that more than 500 students will be able to visit the museum. In three years, we’d like that number to double. We are grateful to the Northern Trust Company for agreeing to match up to $5000 the funds raised at this event for the Visit Fund.”
Illinois Tool Works was the lead sponsor of the lecture and luncheon, which has netted over $110,000 to date. Ticket sales supported the Board’s educational and digital initiatives.
AIC Woman’s President, Laura Werner, with Rita Knox.
James Rondeau.
The new AIC president leads the ladies on a tour of the Edlis/Neeson collection.
Brooke Hummer Mower and Margie Stineman.
Amy Everard, Meg Sauer, and Eve Rogers.
April Schink and Jean Atchison.
Cathy Funderburg and Lori Gray Faversham.
Suzanne Mulshine, Kassy Helme, and Mary-Carol Puntillo.
Ann Grube and Polly Grube.
Stephanie Schrodt and Stacey Williams.
Karen Howell, Colleen Thornburgh, and Jamee Field.
Nicole Simon and Mary Lou Perkins.
Randi Brooklier (Wilmette), Barbara Speer (Winnetka), and Nancy Santi (Winnetka).
Photo Credits: Bob Carl
