Working the Factory Line

THE PARTY The MCA is known for its unrivaled imagination when planning its galas, and this year’s Art Edge was no exception. Nearly 500 guests entered the MCA Warehouse through the loading dock, where they “clocked” in with a name card that doubled as a time punch card. Co-chairs Anne Kaplan, Anita Blanchard, Martin Nesbitt, and Susan and Michael Canmann greeted and playfully draped guests with caution tape as they entered the yellow-, red- and orange-lit factory space created by Heffernan Morgan Designs and Event Creative, and featuring graffiti-splattered walls by artist Hebru Brantley. THE SCENE As performers entertained intermittently throughout, attendees dined buffet-style on Jewell Events Catering’s selection of cleverly served items: pub chips and popcorn in paper cones attached to chain-link fence walls; an oscillating “dry-cleaning rack” of assorted meats and cheeses; and croque-monsieur sandwiches that were grilled on-site. THE HIGHLIGHTS Fitz and The Tantrums performed a live set during dessert, and, in total, the evening raised $900,000 for MCA programming. Photography by Bob Carl and Alain Milotti