CAC members and guests, 500 in all, experienced an evening that left an indelible impression in their minds. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres were served in the 2nd floor Lupin Foundation Gallery. And dinner was served amidst a video presentation of art to be auctioned during the evening. Art Critic and Author Robert Hughes shared in dinner conversation regarding his expansive perspective on 20th Century art. Hughes is the best selling author of The Fatal Shore and is the originator and narrator of the highly acclaimed PBS television series The Shock of the New. The CAC's turn of the century urban warehouse was the setting for dinner. It proved to be a blank palette for an extraordinary event. Set in a sea of white orchids against jet-black table linens guests dined on a menu that was truly culinary art itself. An art auction of some of the country's finest artists and most daring contemporary artists gave patrons the opportunity to add to their own collections. Artists included: Lynda Benglis, Andres Serrano, William Christenberry and photorealist Don Eddy. Guests could leave their legacy in artful guest books or on video throughout the evening.

First Course:
Hickory Smoked Brown Sugar Shrimp:
Nestled in fresh vegetable salad garnished with candied pecans and drizzled with a pomegranate orange vinaigrette paired with Beaulieu Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay 1999

Entree:
Veal Ribeye:
Resting upon chevre polenta and garnished with a fresh artichoke, cherry tomato and basil saute paired with Beaulieu Vineyards Napa Zinfandel 1999

Dessert:
Dark Chocolate Flocked Cinnamon Bavarian Cone:
A cinnamon Bavarian cone sprayed with dark chocolate and adorned with white and dark chocolate tuiles, chocolate chip whipped cream and a clear caramel sauce paired with Domaine Ste. Michelle Cuvee Brut, Columbia Valley Sparkling Wine