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Mar 2010  |  By Mibs  |  Comments (0)

Unique Society Event Raises Funds for Shedd Aquarium’s Educational Programs

Chicago’s avid art lovers flocked to Shedd Aquarium on February 6 and brought along their running shoes – for the Aquarium’s second annual Art Sharks event.

Breaking free from the usual black tie etiquette, this intimate group of guests satisfied their art cravings with the highlight of the evening: an art feeding frenzy!

Over 120 art fanatics dined on delectable delights during a special cocktail reception and enjoyed unique entertainment provided by Artist Nancie King Mertz who painted a scene of the evening as guests enjoyed the event. While mingling and warming up their legs, guests sized up their “prey” – the creative works of art donated from artists all over the country. The artwork included paintings, photography, sculptures, jewelry, and textiles from mainly local artists. After eyeing their favorite pieces, guests mapped out the quickest route to snap them up.

Following cocktail reception, guests sat for dinner in the foyer and dined on right bite approved Barramundi, a petit filet and finished dinner with a design-your-own sundae.

Shortly after dinner, the hunt was on! The Art Sharks master of ceremonies Roger Germann, Shedd’s senior director of public affairs, kicked off the main event by calling off the names of guests randomly selected from a fish bowl, one every ten seconds. As a name was announced, guests hurried to claim their most prized piece – just like a shark feeding frenzy! Guests did not leave hungry or empty handed. Each pair went home with a piece of unique art, and perhaps more importantly, a great story to tell.

Shedd extends special thanks to the talented and generous artists who donated their masterpieces for the event. All proceeds from the event will benefit Shedd’s educational programs.