photo: Andrew Brown/courtesy Tucson Museum of Art
An inspired confluence of art, wine and expert knowledge, accompanied by fine food as an added attraction, comprises Mondays at the Museum, beginning Monday, March 7 and ending March 28. The Tucson Museum of Art’s wildly successful Crush Party fundraiser, which is anything but an April Fool (even though it commences on April 1), is preceded by the special series of Monday afternoon 3pm seminars.
With such cultural luminaries as Julie Sasse, TMA Curator, Pat Connors of Pastiche, food icon Janos Wilder, vintner Tim White of Stronghold Vineyards, glass artist Tom Philabaum and UA art professor Larry Gipe leading various tours, talks and tastings, participants will be treated to an informative, stimulating experience.
“Latin Influences” on March 7 features Pat Connors introducing participants to the wines of South America and Julie Sasse leading a tour of the Museum’s latest installation, Borderlandia: Cultural Topographies by Einar and Jamex de la Torre. Glassblowing taken to extraordinary lengths and given a carnival twist fills the galleries with the vivid color and outlandish shapes of the brothers’ wild creations.
“Frontiers” on March 14 spotlights chef Janos Wilder and Australian wines paired with snacks from his Downtown Kitchen Cocktails. Julie Sasse will show off Bill Schenck: the Serigraphs, artworks examining the American West.
“Splendors of Arizona” on March 28 merges wines from Stronghold Vineyards, Tom Philabaum interpreting his Precarious Rocks artworks and UA professor Larry Gipe reviewing Approved Images: Lawrence Gipe.
The already-sold-out Winemaker’s Dinner on March 29 features John Conover from Napa Valley’s Plumpjack and Cade and a feast from Danny Scordato of Vivace in a private Foothills home.
One hundred vintages and varietal wines from around the world, cuisine courtesy of Tucson’s best restaurants and a silent auction will enliven the museum courtyard during the Crush Party on Friday, April 1 starting at 6pm; and the next day, April 2nd, at Loews Ventana Canyon, “The Rhythm of Rio” will facilitate the sensuality of Rio de Janeiro with a Brazilian menu, Anthony Truchard’s fine wines and a live fine art and rare wine auction.
Some of these events are already sold out, so check in at TucsonMuseumofArt.org before you make your plans. Each seminar costs $50 ($30 tax deductible) and $135 ($75 tax deductible) for all three. Tickets for the Crush Party are $75 in advance, $90 at the door, and for The Rhythm of Rio tropical extravaganza, $200 per person or $1600 per table. Call 624-233 for more information.
