| EVENT REPORT 06.29.07 2:51 PM |
PRINT | SEND TO A FRIEND |
|
| Modern Dance |
| The Philip Johnson Glass House re-created a 1967 picnic, complete with a Merce Cunningham performance, to celebrate its public opening. |
|
More than 50 years after construction of Philip Johnson's private residence and modern masterpiece in New Canaan, Connecticut, the Glass House is opening to the public. Now a National Trust Historic Site, the 47-acre site is available for small group tours, which are sold out for the rest of the year.
But 500 lucky guests gathered on June 23 to mark the public opening with the restaging of a 1967 picnic and Merce Cunningham Dance Company performance. Fourteen dancers traversed two stages to perform the site-specific Glass House Event while guests ate cheese, fruit, gourmet chicken salad, brioche, and brownies out of picnic baskets. |
|
CONTINUED > |
|
|
PHOTO GALLERY |
 | Dancers from the Merce Cunningham Dance Company performed a routine originally choreographed for a benefit held on the grounds in 1967.
Photo: David X. Prutting |
|
|
 | Guests were given a cutting board, a cheese knife, and an L.L. Bean blanket along with their picnic baskets.
Photo: Patrick McMullan |
|
|
 | Sponsor Veuve Clicquot provided the champagne. Other sponsors included Voss water, Design Within Reach, and Oldcastle Glass.
Photo: Patrick McMullan |
|
|
 | There were two stages, so guests could spread out while they enjoyed their picnic lunch and watched the dancers.
Photo: David X. Prutting |
|
|
 | Bracelets commissioned for the event served as tickets. Many guests wore them as necklaces as well.
Photo: Courtesy of the Philip Johnson Glass House |
|
|
 | Volunteers in straw hats and matching white T-shirts handed out limited-edition commemorative books.
Photo: David X. Prutting |
|
|
|
|
The event raised money toward the purchase of four acres north of the site, which will be bought to protect against future development. Attendees, who paid a minimum of $500 for a ticket, were encouraged to explore the grounds before sitting down to lunch. Guides and volunteers staged all around the site helped lead visitors once they arrived at buildings.
When planning the inaugural gala, the Glass House team wanted an event that was tailored to the site. Executive director Christy MacLear had heard rumors of the original performance (which was followed by Andy Warhol's Velvet Underground and fireworks) and decided it would be fitting to invite them back. "It was really intriguing, especially since the original performance had been to benefit the Cunningham Dance Foundation, so it really felt like it had come full circle," said Amy Grabowski, director of external affairs.
For event planner Carolyn Jeffrey, parking was the biggest challenge. There is no parking along the road, so she rented lots at nearby schools and shuttled everyone to the site in SUVs. Weather was also a concern, as the event was to be held rain or shine. Five hundred umbrellas were at the ready, but in the end there was no need.
Jeffrey commissioned unique tickets for the event: handmade unisex rubber and sterling-silver bands created by designer Ryan Kundrat, which could be worn as either necklaces or bracelets. They were sent in advance to the guests. "I didn't want to send tickets, I didn't want to send Livestrong bracelets, and I didn't want lanyards," Jeffrey said. "It was a great way to expedite check-in as well."
Several of the original guests from 1967 returned for the gala, including Merce Cunningham himself.
—Leslie Koren
MORE EVENT REPORT STORIES
Gap, Banana Republic, American Eagle Open Stores With Musical Performances
Chicago Chefs Prepare Apple-Cider Bubbles, Whipped Salt Cod for Food & Wine Entertaining Showcase
MoMA Gets Suitably Whimsical and Macabre for Tim Burton Tribute
Nintendo Launches New Mario Game With Look Back at Franchise History
New Moon Premiere Beckons 10,000 People and 2 Live Wolves
MORE STORIES ABOUT
Floral Designer Anne Kilcullen Prides Herself on Interpreting Clients' Ideas
| More Suppliers/Venues to Consider |
ADVERTISEMENT |
|
|
|
Bronx Zoo
A wild journey awaits you and your guests! Roam through a lush Asian rain forest, or picnic with a flamingo flock. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
Event Central
Event Central is a leader in the event production industry, specializing in set design and fabrication for corporate and special events, exhibits, meetings, and custom fixtures. An Event Central production means you are working with an expert team of professionals who use the most innovative concepts to ensure a seamless and successful experience. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
Benarroch Productions
As a full-service event production and management company, Benarroch Productions has earned a reputation for cutting-edge design and execution of dynamic high-profile events nationwide. A staff of award-winning industry professionals collaborates to produce press-worthy events and strategic partnerships that both define and achieve clients’ goals with innovative style. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
