It’s a hightech jungle out there at the MAC
For several years now, I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of covering two of the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal’s biggest fundraising events — Printemps du MAC and the MAC Ball — and have thoroughly enjoyed doing so. Not just because I, like so many, am an ardent fan of the MAC’s amazing cultural and creative space, which showcases a myriad of stirring works by gifted originators of contemporary art, among other splendid endeavours and outreach. But also because the passionate committee members and museum insiders involved on the benefit side do a consistently spectacular job, hosting some of the best events in the city — catnip for Social Gals.
This year’s Printemps du MAC — brainbaby of the younger arm of enthusiastic advocates of the museum, determined to raise awareness about its fabulousness and lend financial support to facilitate growth and expansion — was as impressive as ever, capturing guests’ attention from the moment they made their way into the museum, with a parade of shiny autos lining the walkway.
Once inside, guests were transported to an astonishing techno-jungle masterminded by Robert Alexander Quinn, titled Jangala — Sanskrit for “uncultivated land.”
Inspired by parallels between nature and technology, and a mighty battle between the primeval and futuristic, the physical and rational, touches were anything but boring at this primitive space-age playground for grown-ups. There were premium bars partout, supplied by Romeo Gin and Pur Vodka, featuring signature Romeo Gin & Rise Kombucha sponsored by Holt Renfrew. There was also a fabulously jungle-themed photo booth; brimming silent auction (replete with themed paintings by Stikki Peaches and Andrew Moncrief ); musical mastery courtesy of Chicaiza and primary DJs Maddie Longlegz and M. Bootyspoon; and yes, the most decadent nibbles, generously donated by Soubois, Flyjin, Le Speakeasy, Restaurant du MAC by Kim Lallouz, Maggie Oakes, Méchant Boeuf, Doughnats, Duc de Lorraine and Beaux Gâteaux. (Oh, but those truffle fries I’m still crying for).
As for the 1,200 supercool young Montrealers who brought the 11th annual Printemps du MAC to life, Social Notes proudly presents a representative sample: honorary chair, National Bank Financial managing director of investment banking Elaine Barsalou; co-chairs Alexandra Mohsen of the National Bank and Stéfanie Stergiotis of Stingray; as well as Montreal Alouettes player and proud founder of the Ky Cares Foundation Kyries Hebert with fiancée, professional basketball player Anneth Him; fellow hottie Alouette Samuel Giguère; biz development guruesse Catherine Sharp with ever-sizzling hub Patrick Boivin, president/CEO of the Montreal Alouettes; marketing master Maria Antonopoulos, of the Antonopoulos Group, with love Josh Wolfe, assistant director, Quebec Government Relations at CIJA; Marie-Hélène Coutu, on scene with partner Nicholas Lerakis; communications goddess Karolina Jez and fiancé Sorab Alavi (congrats, superstars!); Rosemarie Bertrand and fiancé Nicolas Rubbo (congrats Round 2!); Dr. Elise Boulanger with husband, brilliant gallerist Antoine Ertaskiran (you wanna go); and, of course, a pack of committed committee members: Alexandra De Roy (SNC-Lavalin), Ariane Bisaillon (Blakes), Bisma Ansari (Mega Brands), Catherine Plourde (De Grandpré Joli-Coeur), Effie Giannou (EGS Group), Geneviève Sharp (EGS Group), Luana Ann Church (Québecor Média), Lysandre Laferrière (Gowling WLG), Marie-Élaine Tremblay (MET Avocats Inc.), Marie-Ève Gingras (Torys), Marie-Josée Therrien (BDC), Marion-Isabelle Muszynski (Valtech), Maude N. Béland (UQAM), Robert Alexander Quinn (Bright Future), Shady Ahmad (Budge Studio) and Virginie Bourgeois (Danone Waters).
The very memorable party on the wild side raised an equally memorable $150,000 for the Fondation du Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal, established in 2006 by the honourable Mélanie Joly and Constance Venne.
All funds raised go a long way in supporting the museum’s mission to preserve and promote contemporary art in Quebec and Canada.
For more pix from this technotropical party paradise, and a slew of other hot spring events, see diaryofasocialgal.com. To connect, email jenn@diaryofasocialgal.com.