CARNEVALE GALA IN VENICE “All the World’s a Stage”

Save Venice Raises Half A Million Dollars for Art Restoration in Venice

140 international philanthropists passionate about preserving the cultural treasures of Venice came together for three days and nights of masked revelry in Venice, Italy, for Save Venice’s Carnevale Gala, “All the World’s a Stage.” Proceeds from the event support Save Venice’s mission to conserve at-risk art in Venice, and the 50th Anniversary campaigns, which together represent a commitment of $2 million.

Lizzie Asher, Isabella Chartouni, Laura Sico, Casey Kohlberg ©Matteo Prandoni BFA.com

Sponsored by Select Aperitivo with underwriting support from the Gala Chairs and Hosts, the event will net over $500,000 to support Save Venice’s mission and two historic campaigns for the organization’s upcoming 50th Anniversary in October 2021: the conservation of more than 2,400 square feet of Byzantine apse mosaics and walls in the basilica of Santa Maria Assunta on the island of Torcello, the oldest surviving structure in the Venetian lagoon, and the 16th-century Italian Synagogue in the Ghetto of Venice.

Prior to the three-day Gala, there was an invitation-only tour for the inauguration of the exhibition, Drawn From Life: Tiepolo, Longhi, and Guardi, at Ca’ Rezzonico Museum. Pietro Longhi’s spectacular artwork was recently adopted by the Young Friends Steering Committee of Save Venice led by philanthropist and activist Lizzie Asher to preserve the artwork for years to come.

Karin & Peter Leidel ©Matteo Prandoni BFA.com

Guests experienced days filled with special opportunities to view works by Paolo Venerose, Pietro Longhi, and Palma il Giovane, restored by Save Venice, and themed evenings in spectacular settings–La Festa di San Valentino at the Ex-Chiesa di Santa Chiara on the island of Murano (attire of Hot Pink, Sizzling Red and Black Tie), the Royal Garden Reverie Ball in Palazzo Pisani Moretta (wear your most luxurious period costumes, fit for kings and queens, masks required) and the Clash of the Centuries Ball (dress to the nines in your favorite time period, masks encouraged) at the Conservatorio Benedetto Marcello in the Palazzo Pisani. The program featured a lecture by British biographer, playwright, and actor Ian Kelly, Casanova on the Stage of Venice; a costume ball designed by renowned Venetian designer Antonia Sautter, a private premiere performance of Phantasmagories: The Life, Deaths, and Miracles of Pulcinella in the Sala Apolinee of La Fenice; and concluded with a blockbuster concert of music through the ages performed by Broadway star Ashley Brown.

Venetian jeweler Alberto Nardi donated an Arlecchino brooch with colored stones and diamonds as the prize for the winner of Treasure Hunt, designed by Michael LaPlaca and sponsored by Beatrice & José Esteve. Save Venice Board member Juan Prieto won the brooch.

Maribel Lieberman ©Maribel Lieberman

In light of the recent historic November flooding in Venice, participation in the Gala not only supported Save Venice’s mission, but also brought crucial patronage to the local businesses and artisans still recovering from the financial impact of the damage.

Generous support was provided by the event Chairs and Sponsors Tina & Jeffrey* Bolton, Lee Essex Doyle, Beatrice & José A. Esteve, Cassandra & Frederick Ilchman, Karin & Peter Leidel, Elizabeth Locke* & John Staelin, Cat Jagger Pollon, Juan Prieto, Tracey Roberts, Francesca Bortolotto Possati, and Matthew White* & Thomas Schumacher, John Wilson & Annasue McCleave Wilson, and event Benefactors Amy Harmon, Bruce Horten, Alan Howard & Caroline Byron, Christopher Todd Page, and Merrill Shields & Dr. M. Ray Thomasson.

Experts and Presenters: Christopher Apostle*, Alberto Craievich, Daniele D’Anz, Nora Gietz, Frederick Ilchman*, Ian Kelly, Gabriele Matino, Cleo Nisse, Xavier Salomon*

PHOTO CREDITS: ©MATTEO PRANDONI BFA.COM, SAVE VENICE YOUNG FRIENDS, MARIBEL LIEBERMAN, SEE INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS FOR CREDIT

For more information about Save Venice, please visit: www.savevenice.org

Instagram & Facebook: @SaveVeniceInc