Lots of cake for just a few candles at MOCA

News

by Max Marbut

Staff Writer

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Jacksonville was conceived to be not only a place to view some of the finest art created in the past half-century or so, it was also intended to be a destination for corporate and social functions. With more than 100 private events on the schedule each year, that mission has been accomplished.

The museum is throwing a party for itself May 16 when “MOCA Takes the Cake: Celebrating Five Years Downtown” combines desserts, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails with a cake-decorating competition. It’s planned to be one of the biggest celebrations in the history of the museum and it’s also a major fundraiser for the institution’s educational programs.

The group behind the party’s planning and execution is the MOCA Art Council (MAC), founded in 2002 by some members of the museum’s board of directors as a volunteer fundraising corps.

What each founding member had in common was an understanding of the power of a good party when it comes to raising money as well as the community’s awareness of the museum and what it offers.

The first event the group hosted was held long before the museum opened on the east side of Hemming Plaza at 333 N. Laura St.

“We had a party in the building before the demolition began to convert the old Western Union Building into the museum,” recalled MAC President Linda Larkin Smith. “The theme of the first event was ‘Flower Power’ and we recruited local celebrities to create flower arrangements. The next event was what we called a ‘Hard Hat Party’ because by that time the interior demolition was complete and the building was just an empty shell.”

Smith said MAC traditionally plans two events each year with the intention, “Totally to entertain and be entertained while raising money for the museum.”

Since 2002, the group has raised more than $500,000 to support the museum’s educational programs, particularly those that serve the children in the community.

Depending on the scope of each event and the level of logistics required, a core group of about 10 MAC members recruit friends and co-workers to aid the effort. A large undertaking like the grand opening celebration or the first black-tie gala, the “Spectacular Vernacular” in 2005, can require as many as 60 volunteers. That event showcased the shoe creations of Joe LaRose.

“This museum has always been Jacksonville’s most hip and cutting-edge institution and we treasure that reputation, and we’re proud to be part of Downtown’s renaissance,” said Smith.

For the 5th birthday of the museum’s Downtown location, MAC is throwing a party that’s appropriately focused on traditional birthday party fare. A dozen of the area’s most well-known pastry chefs will be sculpting and decorating cakes at the party in hopes of their creation being selected the “Most Outrageous,” “Most Artistic,” or “Most Contemporary” entry.

“All the bakers are very excited because they usually work with only white icing and decorations, but for this event they’ll be able to use color,” said Smith. “We’re expecting some spectacular creations.”

Several local restaurants have also signed on to provide food and beverages for the event. The VIP Birthday Pass offers something extra. It entitles party-goers to dine at the participating restaurant of their choice on their way to “MOCA Takes the Cake.” Other levels of ticket participation are also available.

“We’ve had a tremendous response from all of the vendors. Most everything is being donated and that means all the money we raise will go to the museum’s educational programs,” said Smith.

MOCA Director Debbie Broder said the funds raised by MAC are an integral part of the museum’s educational mission. With government funding becoming more difficult to secure, cultural institutions are having to get creative to identify funding sources and raising money through special events has been very successful for MOCA.

“The range of educational opportunities projects like ‘MOCA Takes the Cake’ help fund preschool children through adults. It makes it possible for us to expand our programs during the school year and summer vacation as well as provide outreach programs for children who would not otherwise be able to have the museum experience. Many of our educational services are provided free of charge and most are subsidized to some degree including the tours we provide for 8,000 public school students each year,” she said.

Smith pointed out planning parties that have revolved around everything from hard hats and sledge hammers to designer shoes and birthday cakes has offered the museum another advantage.

“Over the years the different themes have attracted new people and different groups of people to the museum,” she said. “It’s always exciting when new faces discover the things the institution has to offer.”

For more information about “MOCA Takes the Cake,” call 366-6911, ext. 208.

‘MOCA Takes the Cake: Celebrating 5 Years Downtown’

Participating bakeries:

Cakes by Patrice Drinkard

Chorus Designer Cakes & Pastries

Cinotti’s Bakery

Edgewood Bakery

Etiquette of Chocolate

Kakes by Katie

Let Them Eat Cake

Sheila’s Cakes & Specialty Treats

Stover’s Custom Cakes