NEW YORK – The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD), 2 Columbus Circle in Manhattan, once again assembled a remarkable group of artists for their annual five-day exhibition and sale of contemporary art jewelry, April16-21, with all proceeds benefiting the Museum’s programs and exhibitions. Three talented Greek artists, Katerina Anastasiou, Tassa Ganidou, and Tina Karageorgi were also among the 35 artists from 15 countries this year. On April 16, MAD held their annual Loot Opening Benefit, which began with a three-hour cocktail portion in the second floor gallery where guests enjoyed the wonderful opportunity for jewelry shopping.

The annual Awards Presentation at MAD’s Robert restaurant followed. The Museum honored four avid studio jewelry and arts philanthropists: Loreen Arbus was presented with her award by Loot’s Chair Marsy Mittlemann; Carolee Lee was presented by MAD’s Board Member Ann Kaplan, Michael and Karen Rotenberg was presented by Loot’s Curator Bryna Pomp. All four honorees expressed their love for the Museum and the field of jewelry in their acceptance speeches. During Loreen Arbus’ speech, she announced that MAD was her favorite museum in the world. The Museum’s Chair and Board of Trustees Michele Cohen made the opening remarks at the benefit dinner. Chairman Emerita Barbara Tober and husband Donald Tober were also among those present.

Guests included: Susan Ach, Muna Rihani Al-Nasser, Paola Bacchini, Dennis Basso, Dr. Joyce F. Brown, Liliana Cavendish, Paolo Costagli, Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, Caroline Blackman Coakley and Patrick Coakley, Brian Damaris, Patti and Michael Dweck, Patricia Falkenberg, Joanna Fisher, Boo Grace, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Joan Hornig, Michele Gerber Klein, Suzan Kremer, Lewis Kruger, Nanette L. Laitman, Francine LeFrak, Shari Loeffler, Linda Plattus, Liz Peek, Barbara Regna, Peter Regna, Heidi Rigney, Toni Ross, Jean Shafiroff, Barbara and Donald Tober, Barbara Winston, and Debbie Wheeler.

“The 2018 artists we invited stood out for their inspiring craftsmanship and inventiveness,” said Loot Curator Bryna Pomp. “The jewelry featured incorporates a wide range of remarkable non- traditional materials, from crocheted textiles, ecologically tie-dyed silk, felt, leather, and resin to 3D-printed nylon, titanium, safety pins, bicycle tires, X-ray film, papier-mache, and wood.”

A highlight of the event was when Shannon R. Stratton, Chief Curator of MAD, announced that artists Isabelle Molenat and Sarran Youkongdee have been awarded the third annual Loot Acquisition Prize, on the occasion of the eighteenth edition of Loot: MAD About Jewelry. Loot presents a cross section of the most exciting cutting-edge art jewelry designs, while offering the public a rare opportunity to purchase pieces from and to meet some of the most skilled creators in the field. This year’s prize resulted in the acquisition of two jewelry works, Isabelle Molenat’s Collection Knots Necklace (2018) made of silk and polypropylene and Sarran Youkongdee’s Siam Rattikarn (2017) made of felt, brass, and pearl, for the Museum’s collection. Awarded by a jury, the Loot Acquisition Prize seeks to recognize a Loot jewelry artist whose work reflects a maturity in artistry and concept; exhibits both a superior and experimental understanding of materials and form; and demonstrates expertise in technique and execution.

The Loot 2018 Chair is Marsy Mittlemann. Fashion designer Dennis Basso joined the Opening Benefit Host Committee, which also included Iris Apfel, Davina Benshetrit, Andi Potamkin Blackmore, Noreen Buckfire, Marian C. Burke, Kathy Chazen, Caroline Blackman Coakley, Michele Cohen, Paolo Costagli, Jessica Kagan Cushman, Gino Di Geso, Patti Dweck, Joan Hornig, Ann Kaplan, Judith Leiber, Shari Siadat Loeffler, Ella McHugh, Robert Lee Morris, Rebecca Moses, Linda Plattus, Polina Proshkina, Angela Sun, Barbara Tober, Isabel and Ruben Toledo, Kay Unger, and Barbara Waldman.

Everyone noted that they looked forward to the annual event where they can “discover” such talented artists from around the world and purchase their unique creations.