Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/184590
Installation Project: UNICEF at Goss-Michael Foundation Jonathan Bassham The eminent Design District art space takes on a new medium for a benevolent collaboration. E Michael Chang BY CHRISTINA GEYER. PHOTOGRAPHY DOC STRANGE. dgy British art installations are Goss-Michael Foundation's forte; statement-making works by contemporary masters Jim Lambie, Nigel Cooke and Damien Hirst are expected. But for this unusual opening, the international nonprofit UNICEF took on the Design District space and installed its own exhibit, titled The UNICEF Experience — an interactive work depicting the charity's many altruistic programs propped throughout GMF's expansive white-walled gallery. "We wanted to do something that would really bring attention to UNICEF's work," said event chairman and Goss-Michael Foundation executive director Joyce Goss. She was en route to participate in one of the exhibits, wherein guests lifted two heavy buckets of water illustrating the weight women and children in developing countries must carry daily. Heartthrob actor Jesse Metcalfe, of Desperate Housewives fame, tried his hand (and strength) at Jesse Metcalfe the water-jug lift, as did Miami Dolphins NFL star Marc Colombo. "It was hard, even for me!" proclaimed the nearly seven-foot-tall offensive tackle. Among the other UNICEF pieces on display for the one-night-only show? A tent replicating one of the nonprofit's emergency medical facilities and dozens of oversized canvases showcasing riveting images and statistics. Whom did we spot? Claire and Dwight Emanuelson, Ana Pettus, Anna Sophia Van Zweden, GMF founder Kenny Goss, Jenny Galliher, Sheryl and Eric Maas, Kary and Eduardo Brittingham, Brian Bolke and Faisal Halum; and the event's honorary chair Jenna Bush Hagar, who appeared via video to thank guests for their support. Nicole Stewart Anton Schlesinger Christine Bassham Robert Thompson Mina Chang Selwyn Rayzor Anais Assoun xxxx Nini Nguyen Gowri Sharma Koshi & Arun Dhingra Chairman Joyce Goss, Greer Goss Clay Carter, Kenny Goss Fiona Gorostiza Crew Wyard Mike Masters, Sheryl Tollenaar Rajan Patel Jesse Schroeder, Logan Waller Sharon & Mike Bowers