Paint swatches hanging over dinner tables became a surprisingly attractive decor element at a fund-raising dinner for the Tate Modern on May 8. For this, the first dinner of the American Patrons of the Tate, the independent New York-based charity supporting England’s renowned modern art institution, the organization’s director, Richard Hamilton, and head of development, Virginia Cowles-Schroth, oversaw the event, enlisting designer David Stark to create a fitting look for the evening.
Attaching green and blue paint strips to curving rods, Stark created chandelierlike centerpieces for the long tables that dominated the Waterway Pavilion Midtown’s narrow hall. More of the brightly colored swatches appeared as table number cards and bases for flower arrangements. Most elements—from the linens to the flowers—matched the evening’s colors. Nothing was too fussy or detailed, keeping all eyes on the centerpieces.
The night raised $1.5 million with almost 400 guests in attendance, including Richard Tuttle, Ed Ruscha, Jeff Koons, and Chuck Close.
