The annual garden party fundraiser for SASSAS (Society for the Activation of Social Space through Art and Sound) had most things one would expect in a swanky fundraiser. The event took place in the private residence of Mary Blodgett and Carlton Calvin in the painfully luxurious neighborhood of San Marino. The residence, which was really more of a compound, was complete with an oddly shaped pool, private tennis courts and three or more miscellaneous buildings that seemed to house studio equipment among other curiosities.

SheKhan with Kelly Coats and Kathleen Kim

Pegasus Warning

The live impressive performances took place outside; I was especially enchanted with experimental R&B artist Pegasus Warning. Artists Renée Petropoulos, Kaz Oshiro, Carolyn Castaño, Warren Neidich and Scott Benzel were in attendance, along with gallerist Charlie James. While SASSAS Director Cindy Bernard was unable to attend due to a family obligation, board members Michael Ned Holte and Devin Tsuno greeted guests in her absence.

Todd Gray

The art involved in the auction wasn’t particularly rousing, but that may be because of the way it was hung. It’s often difficult to appreciate artworks in group shows, especially when they are just sitting on a table or propped up against a wall, wrapped in cellophane. Most of the pieces riffed on music and retro album covers which made for fun and amusing eye-candy. Highlights starting at incredibly low prices were by Dave Muller, Todd Gray, Amanda Ross-Ho and Kio Griffith, to name a few. Paddle 8 was the online auctioning house, where organizers had iPads so attendees could bid on the spot, although bidding remained open for 10 days after the fundraiser, which ends tomorrow (June 22)…paddle8.com/auction/sassas/

The only aspect that was a sore thumb in the whole scene was the catering. In a posh fundraiser such as this, I expected waiters with trays of hors d’oeuvres, nice wine and some kind of delicious surprises. Instead, I was greeted with King Taco as I walked up and saw the unmistakable logo on the truck outside. Look, tacos are fine, but at least hire a local business, get a taco truck that has fresh meats and tamales. The super sweet margaritas that complimented the fast food tasted just fine, albeit no wine. Tickets for this event were $100 and promised “bountiful food and drinks,” so it seems like SASSAS and I have a very different view of “bountiful.” Other than that, what a delightful Sunday afternoon garden party, and the cookies were delicious, and the auction is still up for bountiful artworks to purchase!

Photos by Felix Salazar; www.felixsalazar.com

Benefit Auction SASSAS ends June 22, 2108. Go to paddle8.com/auction/sassas/