"For the Love of Frida: Bringing It Home" Virtual Gala March 20

College of DuPage Foundation, in partnership with the McAninch Arts Center (MAC) hosts “For the Love of Frida: Bringing It Home,” a virtual gala, beginning at 6 p.m., Saturday, March 20. The gala is in support and celebration of the upcoming “Frida Kahlo: Timeless” exhibition, presented by Bank of America and hosted by the Cleve Carney Museum of Art (CCMA) and the MAC June 5-Sept. 6, 2021. Event Chairs are Marcie and Mark Peterson who are assisted by a committee of 20 community volunteers.

The 60-minute, live-streamed gala will begin with a demonstration by mixologist Elliot Acosta from La Tequilería, the only establishment in Illinois awarded the esteemed "Distintivo T" certification (2019) for promoting the authenticity, quality, and culture of tequila. This will be followed by a culinary encounter with the only Mexican chef to receive a Michelin star (2013, 2014), Chef Carlos Gaytán of the internationally-acclaimed restaurant, Tzuco, a semifinalist in the James Beard Foundation Awards’ “Best New Restaurant” category (2020). The cocktail demonstration and culinary encounter will provide insight into Mexican cuisine and tequila as it relates to Frida Kahlo’s life and favorites.

Guests whose ticket includes the party pack will receive a cocktail bag with two custom rock glasses to create La Tequilería’s specialty cocktail “Jesús Maria,” plus Frida Papel Picado, authentically handmade from Mexico City and Frida-inspired paper flowers; and a customized cooler tote bag containing a three-course dinner for two prepared by Tzuco beginning with a guacamole and tortilla chip appetizer; main entrée of Short Ribs Confit, with salsa verde pinto beans, tlacoyo and, for dessert, Tres Leches Horchata with vainella crème and fresh berries.

The evening will also include a virtual tour of the El Olmedo Museum in Mexico where the treasured Frida Kahlo art is coming from for this summer’s exhibition. The virtual tour will be hosted by Executive Director and Curator, Justin Witte of the “Frida Kahlo: Timeless” exhibition.

Music by the Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Divas, Disneyland’s official all-female mariachi ensemble, plus a paddle raise and silent auction rounds out the evening’s activities. Auction items will include a signed etching and puzzles created by world-renowned artist and COD alum Tony Fitzpatrick, an art work created live during the gala by muralist Geoff Bevington and gourmet baskets from Glen Ellyn’s Olive ‘n Vinnie’s.

Tickets for “For the Love of Frida: Bringing It Home” are $250-$50. The $250 ticket includes one unique link to the virtual celebration and party pack hand delivered to ticket buyer’s homes within the Chicago metropolitan area. Whether or not attending the gala, everyone is invited to go to www.frida2.givesmart.com to browse and bid on the many fun Silent Auction items.