Manetti Shrem Museum of Art Hosts Annual Gala at Bucolic UC Davis Grounds

The Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art at the University of California, Davis, celebrated the arts champions and artists who support its mission, at its annual gala on Jan. 25. Visionary art collector and advocate Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo and the late Manuel Neri, a pioneering artist and member of UC Davis’ art faculty, received the Margrit Mondavi Arts Medallion honoring their leadership and championing of creativity in the arts. The guests–160 strong–who gathered that night represented the worlds of arts, culture and academia. The evening raised over $400,000, including $45,000 for the UC Davis Foundation Board Student Fire Relief Fund.

Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis joined other VIPs and art-loving guests in viewing two vibrant new exhibitions. The exhibits feature works from Sandretto Re Rebaudengo’s contemporary collection, which is making its US debut, and large-scale ceramics by Ruby Neri. The partygoers also enjoyed a performance by opera singer Mikayla Sager, as well as a sumptuous dinner provided by McCalls Catering. For those with a sweet tooth, attendees also got the gift of chocolate as a nod to the late Jan Shrem’s love of the confection, in the form of chocolate-themed gift bags and a lavish chocolate. Each year, the gala raises funds to support the museum’s exhibitions and educational outreach programs so that they can remain Free for All.