On May 13, 2015, San Francisco Art Institute threw its annual benefit for SFAI student-artist scholarships – Gala Vernissage and Varnished: The After Party. The colorful bash took over historic Pier 2 at Fort Mason Center with more than seven hundred arts supporters and exhibiting artists.
Gala Vernissage honored arts visionary and advocate Roselyne Chroman Swig and served as the preview for SFAI’s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) exhibition, Edge Effect. More than 100 contemporary artists filled the 67,000 square foot space with an array of shocking, gorgeous, and complex works of all forms. With alumni including visionary artists like Barry McGee, who attended the event with wife and fellow artist Clare Rojas, and Kehinde Wiley, along with Academy Award-winning directors Kathryn Bigelow and Laura Poitras, SFAI has always—since its founding in 1871—attracted artists whose work inspires.
A sunset-inspired signature cocktail – The Cissie Cliffhanger – kicked off the celebration in the art-filled pier, and Betty Zlatchin Catering served a family-style dinner that added to the warm and welcoming atmosphere. A heartfelt program included video tributes by Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, YMCA San Francisco CEO and President Chuck Collins, and Roselyne Chroman Swig’s grandson, Harrison Watkins. Swig spoke fondly of SFAI and her friends and family in attendance, and her outfit, an electrifying bluish-purple silk coat designed by lifelong friend and artist William T. Wiley, was one of many must-see outfits that night.
Varnished: The After Party kept the revelry going until midnight with live art performances, more cocktails, a photo booth donated by Magnolia Photo Booth Co. that documented more creative style, and sounds graciously provided by DJs Tokudu, Edison Field, & AJX + SFAI's The Tower.
The Roselyne Chroman Swig Scholarship Fund was launched at the gala to ensure that students from a broad range of backgrounds continue to have the opportunity to pursue an education at SFAI. In the current year, students benefitted from more than $7.5 million in scholarship support. Please make a gift at any time.
SFAI's Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and students thank all the event sponsors and supporters and invite you to mark your calendar for next year’s Gala Vernissage on Wednesday, May 11, 2016.
