The Scene In and Around Boston . . . Last month, Mayor Thomas M. Menino and 300 guests celebrated at the Boston Public Library Foundation's "Spring Gala." The event surpassed its fundraising goal, bringing in more than $500K to help support youth programs and services at the Central Library in Copley Square and the neighborhood branches. Guests entered the National Historic Landmark McKim Building through the bronze doors depicting Music and Poetry, Knowledge and Wisdom, and Truth and Romance. A string quartet serenaded the guests in the ornate lobby. A cocktail reception enlivened the interior courtyard, as the famous fountain gently splashed. An elegant dinner followed in Bates Hall, the main reading room named after Joshua Bates, one of the BPL's first great benefactors. After dinner, the Young Professionals of the Foundation and other friends joined the festivities. The band, Live Radio, performed an eclectic repertoire for dancing beneath the stars in the Courtyard. A jazz duo serenaded guests in a gallery displaying a major new exhibit of vintage travel posters. Volunteer guides provided tours of the McKim Building, highlighting the architecture as well as the many works of famed sculptors and painters. A special highlight this year was the unveiling of new lighting for John Singer Sargent's Triumph of Religion. This mural fills an expansive gallery that is often called the Sistine Chapel of the America. It includes murals of Pagan Gods, the Israelites Oppressed, the Prophets, Angels, and the Madonna of Sorrows, as well as vivid depictions of Hell, Judgment, and Heaven. Visitors can now view this world-famous "mural cycle" in lighting that reveals new details and brings out decorative elements and colors as never before. Holly Safford and The Catered Affair designed and catered the event. Andrea Halliday from Table and Tulip created the unique floral designs. Grey Goose Vodka and Sam Adams hosted martini and beer bars. Sugar Heaven provided a candy buffet. Among the guests were: Mayor Thomas M. Menino; best-selling author Dennis Lehane, honorary chair; Event Chairs Diane Cataldo, Dr. Larry Cohn and wife Roberta, Cynthia Dareshori, and Paul Kraft and wife Amy; Chairman of the BPL Trustees Jeff Rudman and wife Susan Fried; new BPL Trustee Carol Fulp and husband Bernie; BPL President Amy Ryan and husband Steven Kaufman; Ron O'Hanley, Chairman of the BPL Foundation, and wife Karen; and BPL Foundation President Brian Clancy and wife Susan. Other guests included Emily Rooney of WGBH TV and Alicia Verity of Bank of America. Event Committee members included Cindy Brown, Lynne Kortenhaus, Dora and Michael Lewin, Mary Jo Sisk and David Grossman, and Anne Sternlicht. Janet Wu, of 7NEWS Boston, was the mistress of ceremonies. Guests had the opportunity to view Away we Go!, a new exhibition of vintage travel posters, which takes viewers back to the early 20th century via vintage travel posters from the BPL's collection. On display through October 17, the exhibition is organized as an epic trip around the world, starting and ending in Boston. Along the way, extraordinary, eye-catching posters are vivid reminders of the beauty, excitement, and adventure of travel during the 1920s-1950s. The exhibit is sponsored by Merrill Lynch Private Wealth Management. Guests celebrated the BPL's "Homework Assistance and Mentoring Program," the winner of a national award for exemplifying the principles of positive youth development. The Mentors, accomplished high school juniors and seniors, are as diverse as the neighborhoods they serve and speak 17 languages. They were delighted to be present to tell the guests about how they help other students complete their homework, prepare for tests, or practice reading and math skills. In addition, they offer advice - insights on school, peer pressure, and what it takes to be a responsible and successful young person in Boston. They charmed and inspired the Gala guests while conducting an on-the-spot special appeal that raised much-needed funds. For more information about the BPL Foundation, call 617-247-8980 or visit www.bpl.org.
Boston Book Festival Returns in October Looking ahead: The second annual "Boston Book Festival" will take place on Oct. 16 in various locations around Copley Square. Festival Founder and Director Deborah Z. Porter has announced a partial list of authors confirmed to appear at this year's event, including Pulitzer Prize winners, Nobel Laureates, children's writers, and writers of fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Among authors mentioned by Ms. Porter are: Bill Bryson, A.M Homes, Gish Jen, Jeff Kinney, Dennis Lehane, Joyce Carol Oates, Amartya Sen, Stacy Schiff, Joseph Stiglitz, Isabel Wilkerson, Edward O. Wilson and Kevin Young. We are told that the inaugural festival, held in October of 2009, "was an unequivocal success." Organizers estimate that 12,000 people attended the presentations, panel discussions, workshops, music performances and street fair, most of which were free. The event featured 90 authors and presenters, including some of the biggest names in the literary world, 40 outdoor exhibitors, 30 indoor events, children's activities, and live music. Internationally-known fiction and non-fiction writers, scholars, critics and commentators spoke to packed houses at historic Boston locations. The program of events, including times and Copley Square locations, will be announced after Labor Day. A complete list of authors, as well as author bios, will be available later in the summer at www.bostonbookfest.org. Enjoy!
|
|
|
In addition to events covered and reported by the columnist, "The Scene..." |
|
C. Bernard Fulp and his wife, Boston Public Library Trustee Carol Fulp, were among the distinguished guests at the BPL Foundation's gala. (Photo by Roger Farrington)