MOCA Gala: Celebrating Museum Legends and Shaping the Future

The MOCA Gala honored Theaster Gates, Frank Gehry, and Wendy Schmidt, celebrating their profound impact on the museum and art world. A night of art, philanthropy, and vision.

The MOCA Gala recently took place, spotlighting the transformative power of art and honoring individuals who have significantly shaped the museum's legacy. Let's dive into the highlights and why this event matters.

MOCA Legends: A New Tradition

The 2025 MOCA Gala, held on May 31st, marked the debut of the MOCA Legends format. This year, the gala paid tribute to three visionaries: artist Theaster Gates, architect Frank Gehry, and philanthropist Wendy Schmidt. These individuals were recognized for their profound impact on the Museum of Contemporary Art.

A Star-Studded Affair

More than 600 patrons, artists, and cultural figures gathered at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. The event successfully raised over $3.1 million to support the museum's exhibitions, programming, and overall operations. That's a lot of clams!

Honoring the Honorees

• Theaster Gates: Filmmaker Ava DuVernay lauded Gates for his extensive work in visual art and community building.
• Wendy Schmidt: Actor and activist Jane Fonda celebrated Schmidt's commitment to environmental stewardship.
• Frank Gehry: Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi highlighted Gehry's architectural legacy and his renovation of The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA.

Key Insights from the Honorees

The honorees shared some profound thoughts during the gala:

• Theaster Gates: Emphasized uplifting and honoring everyday artistic voices and emerging talent.
• Frank Gehry: Spoke about the impact of artists and the art world on his life and architectural practice. He even mentioned that artists brought him into their club. How cool is that?
• Wendy Schmidt: Highlighted the crucial links between art and science, emphasizing freedom of thought.

Shaping the Museum and Beyond

Johanna Burton, the Maurice Marciano Director of MOCA, emphasized the collective belief in art's power to connect, challenge, uplift, and endure. The gala reaffirmed the museum's commitment to these values.

My Take

It's inspiring to see MOCA recognizing individuals who are not only masters of their craft but also deeply committed to making a difference in the world. Theaster Gates' focus on uplifting emerging talent, Frank Gehry's acknowledgment of the art world's influence on his work, and Wendy Schmidt's recognition of the connection between art and science all point to a holistic view of creativity and its impact. The MOCA Gala serves as a reminder that art is not just about aesthetics; it's about community, innovation, and progress.

Wrapping Up

The MOCA Gala was a night to remember, celebrating museum legends and raising crucial funds for the institution's future. It's events like these that remind us of the power of art and the importance of supporting cultural institutions. Until next year's gala, keep those creative juices flowing!