| EVENT REPORT 04.03.09 1:36 PM |
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| What a Riot |
| For its Massive Party—the Art Gallery of Ontario's first on-site benefit since its grand reopening last fall—organizers played up a "Massive Uprising" theme with mock protests, riot police, and cocktails called the Capitalist and the Moscow Mule. |
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The redesigned Art Gallery of Ontario played host to its fifth annual Massive Party benefit Thursday with a sold-out crowd of 1,600 guests. "We've held it off site at Muzik for the past few years, and we are thrilled to come back to the A.G.O.," said Geoffrey Chown, its manager of development and special events, who planned the event in conjunction with a committee co-chaired by Gillian Hewitt and Som Seif.
Songs like “We’re Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister played as guests arrived for the party, which was dubbed "Massive Uprising" this year. Riot police wielding billy clubs greeted attendees as they entered Walker Court, where a group of models dressed as hippies conducted a sit-in in the middle of the floor. Placards with logos like “Fight for Your Right to Party” and “Join the Up Rising” were placed in black metal bins around the venue, and black linens and camouflage netting topped bars throughout the space. |
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PHOTO GALLERY |
 | Volunteers dressed as riot police greeted guests at the entrance to Walker Court.
Photo: Nikki Leigh McKean for BizBash |
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 | A group dressed as hippies conducted a sit-in on the floor just inside Walker Court.
Photo: Nikki Leigh McKean for BizBash |
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 | Servers from the Butler Did It wore red berets and armbands.
Photo: Nikki Leigh McKean for BizBash |
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 | Actors outfitted as John Lennon and Yoko Ono re-enacted the couple's famous bed-in for peace in an installation in Baillie Court.
Photo: Nikki Leigh McKean for BizBash |
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 | Video footage of Lennon and Ono screened on the walls above the bars in Baillie Court.
Photo: Nikki Leigh McKean for BizBash |
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 | Volunteers with black tape pasted across their mouths protested censorship in an installation at the event.
Photo: Nikki Leigh McKean for BizBash |
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 | White linens marked with graffiti tags topped cocktail tables in Baillie Court.
Photo: Nikki Leigh McKean for BizBash |
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 | Napkins handed out with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres depicted an anarchic take on the museum's name.
Photo: Nikki Leigh McKean for BizBash |
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 | A.G.O. executive chef Anne Yarymowich's selection of hors d'oeuvres included French fries served with mayonnaise and ketchup.
Photo: Nikki Leigh McKean for BizBash |
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 | Servers offered scallop ceviche on cucumber rounds to guests.
Photo: Nikki Leigh McKean for BizBash |
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The party took place in the gallery's entrance hall, Walker Court, Baillie Court (the A.G.O.'s new event space), and in Zacks Pavilion, where the "Surreal Things" exhibition opens in May. (In addition to the party areas, guests could tour the contemporary art displays on the gallery’s fourth and fifth floors.) The event showcased installations and performances by contemporary artists such as David Armstrong Six, Emelie Chhangur, Anitra Hamilton, Jay Isaac, Sarah Maple, Eric Mathew, Christof Migone, and Franco Mondini-Ruiz.
Red lighting filled Baillie Court, where actors dressed as John Lennon and Yoko Ono re-enacted the couple's famous bed-in for peace atop a bed on a riser in the centre of the room. Video footage of the couple was broadcast on the walls, and linens with graffiti tags topped tables. Specialty cocktails created by Diageo—called the Capitalist and Moscow Mule—added to the theme.
A.G.O. executive chef Anne Yarymowich oversaw the catering, with staff from The Butler Did It—dressed in all black with red berets and arm bands—offering a selection of hors d’oeuvres like mini Cubano sandwiches and risotto croquettes. DJ Efsharp, DJ M, DJ Richard, DJ Whitney, and Dr. Draw entertained guests until 1 a.m.
Event sponsors included CTV, Claymore Investments, Equity Transfer & Trust Company, Investors Group, Interbrand, Merrill Corporation Canada, and NOW Magazine. Proceeds of this event will support the A.G.O.’s exhibitions and education programs.
—Susan O'Neill
RELATED TOPICS
Art Gallery of Ontario, CTV, Claymore Investments, Equity Transfer & Trust Company, Investors Group, Interbrand, Merrill Corporation Canada, Now Magazine
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