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Past Galas
Since 2016, the annual CCA gala has provided vital support for scholarships and financial aid through the generous support from our community. Our previous galas have honored leading figures in art and design, from artist Wayne Thiebaud to community leader Roselyne C. Swig.
2024
Honoring Jack Wadsworth
Adrienne Barry, John Berggruen, Jack Wadsworth, and Susy Wadsworth. Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Ӱɴý (CCA) celebrated long-time supporter and trustee Jack Wadsworth as the 2024 honoree at its annual gala, which took place Thursday, March 21. The event raised over $1.24 million for student scholarships. Organized by co-chairs Stanlee Gatti and Kimberlee Swig, attendees celebrated Wadsworth’s impact on the CCA community and his commitment to arts and design advocacy. The gala also paid tribute to Stephen Beal and his transformative leadership during his 25 year tenure as provost and president at CCA. San Francisco Mayor London Breed and other notable leaders from major art organizations came to show their support for CCA’s impact on arts education.
2024 Gala
Julia Goodman, Kimberlee Swig
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Lorna Meyer Calas, London Breed, David Howse, Kimberlee Swig
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Cathy Anderson, Kimberlee Swig, Jack Wadsworth, Susy Wadsworth
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
David Howse, London Breed, Lorna Meyer Calas, and Dennis Calas
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Lorna Meyer Calas, Dennis Calas
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Annie Gullingsrud, David Howse
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Amy Edelen, George Jewett
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Stephen Beal, Tom Di Maria
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
David Howse, Brandi Hudson
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Calvin Wheeler, Sarajane Miller-Wheeler
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Marv Tseu, Mary Mocas
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Robin Laub, Mark Arrabit
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Peter King, David Galullo, Kate Eilertsen, Michael Muscardini
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Mary Zlot, Monetta White
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Roselyne Swig, Kimberlee Swig
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Douglas Durkin, Sarah Wendell Sherrill, Stephen Sherrill
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Roselyne Swig, Kimberlee Swig, Joyce Linker
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Meridee Moore, Jessica Silverman, Sarah Thornton
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Trent Norris, Dede Wilsey, Lorna Meyer Calas, Jack Calhoun
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
David Shimmon, Mary Beth Shimmon
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
David Howse, Charisse Howse
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Damian Wilmot, Sarajane Miller-Wheeler, Calvin Wheeler
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Maria Hemphill, Brandi Hudson
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Adrienne Barry, John Berggruen, Jack Wadsworth, Susy Wadsworth
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Adrienne Barry, John Berggruen, Neal Benezra
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Cheryl Haines, Meridee Moore
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Tricia Meyer, Carol Parker, Mary Mocas
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Tricia Meyer, Carol Parker, Mary Mocas
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Gene Schnair, Erin Schnair, Evan Schnair, Abby Schnair
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Lorna Meyer Calas, Stanlee Gatti, Dede Wilsey
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
2023
Honoring Carla Emil & Rich Silverstein
CCA gala honorees Carla Emil and Rich Silverstein. Photo by Drew Altizer Photography
CCA’s annual gala was held on campus in San Francisco on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. The city’s cultural and society figures, creative practitioners, and arts leaders gathered to honor beloved Bay Area art collectors Carla Emil and Rich Silverstein as the 2023 honorees. Co-chaired by CCA Trustees Stanlee Gatti and Kimberlee Swig, the event raised over $1.23 million for student scholarships and celebrated Emil and Silverstein’s philanthropic leadership, which has made a tremendous impact on the cultural life of the Bay Area and nationwide.
2023 Gala
Carla Emil, Rich Silverstein, Jeff Goodby
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Susy Wadsworth, Kim Swig
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Stanlee Gatti, Neal Benezra, Erin O'Toole
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Projected image on screen, "Ӱɴý Carla Emil & Rich Silverstein A Gala Benefit for Student Scholarships" agains a yellow graphic flower.
Photo by Nicholas Lea Bruno/CCA.
Stephen Beal, Stanlee Gatti, Dee Hoover
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
LeShelle May, Carol Parker
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Douglas Durkin, Valerie Wade, Michael Brennan
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Mary Mocas, LeShelle May, Kim Swig, Lorna Meyer Calas, Carol Parker
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
John Berggruen, Mary Zlot
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Kay Kimpton Walker, Gay-Lynn Blanding
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Table centerpiece of sunflowers and purple flowers.
Photo by Nicholas Lea Bruno/CCA.
Frish Brandt, Maria Makela
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Gala attendees mix and mingle in CCA's Nave.
Photo by Nicholas Lea Bruno/CCA.
Carla Emil, Rich Silverstein
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Carla Emil, Rich Silverstein
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Rich Silverstein, Jeff Goodby
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Decorated tables and guests in CCA's Nave.
Photo by Nicholas Lea Bruno/CCA.
Gary May, LeShelle May
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
2022
Celebrating community leader Roselyne C. Swig
CCA’s annual gala returned to the San Francisco campus on May 19, 2022, as San Francisco cultural and society figures, creative practitioners, and arts leaders gathered to honor beloved arts champion, civic leader, and community advocate Roselyne C. “Cissie” Swig. Co-chaired by CCA Trustees Stanlee Gatti and Kimberlee Swig, the event raised over $1.5 million for student scholarships and celebrated Swig’s inspiring example and all she has done to foster the talents of young creatives locally, nationally, and around the world.
2022 Gala
CCA President Stephen Beal with CCA Trustees and Gala co-chairs Kimberlee Swig and Stanlee Gatti.
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Portrait of Roselyne Swig at the 2022 CCA gala.
Revelers at the 2022 CCA gala.
Photo by Nicholas Lea Bruno/CCA.
Gala 2022
Thalia Martinez Bobadilla (BFA Illustration 2024) giving a moving speech about the impact of scholarships.
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Gala 2022
CCA President Stephen Beal with exhibiting alumni artists Sarah Thibault (MFA Painting & Drawing 2011), Sarah Hotchkiss (MFA Painting & Drawing 2011), and M. Louise Stanley (BFA Painting 1967, MFA Painting 1969).
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Susan Swig with Frish Brandt, director of Fraenkel Gallery, and CCA Trustee and Gala co-chair Stanlee Gatti.
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Trent Norris, CCA Board Chair Lorna Meyer Calas, and Jack Calhoun.
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
CCA Trustee Jessica Farron and Chuck Collins, president emeritus of YMCA San Francisco.
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Lisa Dolby Chadwick, owner of Dolby Chadwick Gallery, Robina Riccitiello, and Ellen Drew.
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Diane Wilsey, Mimi Haas, Thomas Campbell, director of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and Helen Hatch.
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Liz Cannata, Serena Perkins, Emily Peters Johnson, and CCA Trustee Alyssa Warnock (BFA Graphic Design 2001).
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Paul Pelosi with Janet and Clint Reilly.
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
CCA Trustee Julie Lythcott-Haims (MFA Writing 2016) and CCA Trustee and Gala co-chair Kimberlee Swig.
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Lawrence Rinder, director emeritus of BAMPFA, and Kay Kimpton Walker.
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Janine Wiedmer and designer Daniele de Iuliis.
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Larry Baer, chief executive officer of the San Francisco Giants, and Susan Swig.
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Valerie Wade, director of Crown Point Press, and Penny Cooper.
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
Ambiance at CCA's 2022 Gala.
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.
2021
Honoring design visionary Sir Jony Ive
The CCA Gala celebrated 2021 Honorary Doctorate recipient Sir Jony Ive in recognition of his devotion to design as a craft, which ties to CCA’s 114-year legacy of forward-thinking making in the arts and crafts. The event, which took place virtually, raised a record-high $1.5M for student scholarships. Helmed by gala co-chairs and CCA trustees Lorna Meyer Calas, Stanlee Gatti, and Kimberlee Swig, the live broadcast drew 400 supporters online from around the world.
The gala was accompanied by an auction featuring artwork from 15 artists—many of them either CCA alumni or past and present faculty—including Viola Frey, David Maisel, Manuel Neri, Terry St. John, Wayne Thiebaud, and Lava Thomas.
2021 Auction Selections
Wayne Thiebaud, Dessert Scoop, 1984. Pen and ink on paper, 6 7/8 x 7 1/2 inches, 16 1/4 x 16 3/4 inches framed.
Courtesy of the artist and Paul Thiebaud Gallery.
Viola Frey (BFA Ceramics 1956), Untitled, 1987. Ceramic, 26 x 26 inches.
Courtesy of Nancy Hoffman Gallery.
David Maisel (MFA Photography 2006), Terminal Mirage 25, 2005. Archival pigment print, 30 x 30 inches framed.
Courtesy of Haines Gallery.
Julia Goodman (MFA Textiles 2009), Interlock, 2019. Pulped discarded bedsheets and T-shirts, unique, 34 x 37 inches.
Courtesy of Lorna Meyer Calas and Dennis Calas.
Lawrence Azerrad Wilco (BFA Graphic Design 1995), Ode To Joy, 2020. Print, handmade pop-up book, LP, 12 x 12 x 3 inches box + 20 page book.
Courtesy of Lawrence Azerrad.
Terry St. John (MFA Painting 1966), Thai Model #1, 2019. Ink and pen on paper, 22 x 15 inches, 30 x 22 ¾ inches framed.
Courtesy of Dolby Chadwick Gallery and the Artist.
Alexandra Grant (MFA Painting + Drawing 2000), grantLOVE x Cachetejack, 2020. Suite of 4 screenprints, 16.5 x 11.7 inches each. Edition 14/100.
Courtesy of Alexandra Grant.
Robert Motherwell, Game of Chance, 1987. Lithograph & aquatint w/ etching on handmade paper with hand-coloring and collage, 23 3/8 x 16 3/8 inches, 29 1/4 x 31 1/2 inches framed. Edition 93/100.
Courtesy of Kay Kimpton Walker and Sandy Walker.
Manuel Neri (Alum 1956), Ink Figure Study VI, 1971. Water based pigment and graphite on paper, 12 x 18 inches, 28 ½ x 33 inches framed.
Courtesy of Hackett Mill and The Manuel Neri Trust.
Lava Thomas (BFA Ceramics 1999), Blues Study, 2021. Mixed media, 23.25 x 22.75 x 2 inches.
Courtesy of Rena Bransten Gallery.
Sarah Bird (MFA Sculpture 1994), Champlin Elm, 2019. Archival inkjet photograph, 26.5 x 40 inches, 27.5 x 41 inches framed.
Courtesy of Sarah Bird.
Stef Halmos (MFA Photography 2012), A Handsome Façade (For Emily), 2020. C-print, artist-handwritten, 35 x 50 inches. 1 of A.P.
Courtesy of Stef Halmos.
JB Blunk, Untitled - Plate, c. 1985. Ceramic dish, 5 x 0.75 inches.
Courtesy of Mariah Nielson (BArch 2005) and JB Blunk Estate.
Laurie Reid (MFA Painting + Drawing 1996), X-1, 2000. Color spit bite aquatint, 14 x 51 inches.
Courtesy of Laurie Reid.
Kim Anno, Elysian Drift, 2004. Etching on handmade cotton paper, 26 x 19 inches. Edition of 20. Courtesy of Kimberly and Simon Blattner.
Ann Morhauser (BFA Glass 1979), Ultramarine Water Sculpture Bowl, 2021. Slumped glass, 28 x 20 x 8.5 inches.
Courtesy of Annie Glass and Ann Morhauser.
Private dinner for 12 with executive chef Michael Tusk and table decor by Stanlee Gatti.
Courtesy of Michael Tusk and Stanlee Gatti.
Explore Donum Estate with lunch for five.
Courtesy of Kimberlee Swig.
Exclusive stay at Sea Ranch Home designed by Charles Moore and William Turnbull, Jr.
Courtesy of Lorna Meyer Calas and Dennis Calas.
Private lunch for six and director’s tour of the Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts.
Courtesy of Kimberlee Swig.
2020
Honoring arts champion Lorna Meyer Calas
While the 2020 spring gala organized in honor of our wonderful trustee and community leader Lorna Meyer Calas was canceled due to San Francisco County and California Department of Public Health COVID-19 restrictions, the event raised over $1M for critically needed student scholarships.
We regret not being able to celebrate together in person but are deeply grateful for the generous supporters who helped ensure many talented students were able to continue their education at CCA during challenging times.
2019
Honoring the legendary Wayne Thiebaud
A tribute to art education and excellence
On March 25, 2019, more than 358 supporters gathered on CCA’s San Francisco campus for the 2019 CCA People’s Party to honor esteemed painter, printmaker, and teacher Wayne Thiebaud. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and supporters, the spring gala grossed over $1.2 million for student scholarships.
The annual fundraising event featured remarks by highly acclaimed scholar Steve Nash and was helmed by co-chairs and CCA trustees Cathy Podell and Stanlee Gatti, and honorary committee chair Lorna Meyer Calas. Guests included long-standing patrons, leaders of San Francisco art institutions, museum directors, gallery owners, major art collectors, and some of the brightest cultural and society figures from the Bay Area.
Celebrated painter and educator Wayne Thiebaud, the 2019 CCA People’s Party honoree, talks about his life’s work with KQED’s Michael Krasny.
Featuring an interview with Michael Krasny
As part of the evening’s festivities, we also proudly presented an abridged version of this full-length interview between Thiebaud and KQED Forum host Michael Krasny. The influential pair discusses Thiebaud’s meaningful achievements, motivations, and love of painting—a form that still proves itself miraculous to Thiebaud, even decades after his incredible career started.
2019 Gala
Scholarship recipient Luis Arturo Gomez (Architecture 2023) giving his speech to the crowd.
Photo by Nicholas Lea Bruno/CCA
L to R: Stanlee Gatti (co-chair), Lorna Meyer Calas (honorary committee chair), President Stephen Beal, and Cathy Podell (co-chair).
Photo by Devlin Shand of Drew Altizer Photography.
Wide shot of the gala tent looking lively and lovely.
Photo by Nicholas Lea Bruno/CCA
Guests enjoying dinner at the 2019 gala.
Photo by Nicholas Lea Bruno/CCA
Alumna Berlin Gabrielle Barrera (Painting and Drawing 2020) posing in front of her mural for the gala.
Photo by Nicholas Lea Bruno/CCA
Guest of honor Wayne Thiebaud giving impromptu remarks at CCA People's Party on March 25, 2019.
Photo: Nicholas Bruno
L to R: Cathy Podell (co-chair), alumnus Woody De Othello (MFA Fine Arts 2017), and CCA Alumni and Parent Engagement Senior Manager Lisa Jonas (MFA Fine Arts 2014)
Photo by Nicholas Lea Bruno/CCA
Vice President of Human Resources Leslie Gray enjoying a lively conversation at the 2019 gala.
Photo by Nicholas Lea Bruno/CCA
Guests mingling at the gala.
Photo by Nicholas Lea Bruno/CCA
Emmy Award–winning radio and television personality Liam Mayclem hosting the evening.
Photo by Nicholas Lea Bruno/CCA
Ceramic art by Eleni Berg (Ceramics 2019) featured at the gala.
Photo by Nicholas Lea Bruno/CCA
Dean of Fine Arts Allison Smith enjoying the gala.
Photo by Nicholas Lea Bruno/CCA
Dean of Architecture Keith Krumwiede, San Francisco Chronicle Deputy Managing Editor Kitty Morgan, San Francisco Chronicle Art Critic Charles Desmarais, and CCA Board of Trustees President Art Gensler
Photo by Nicholas Lea Bruno/CCA
Timothy Anglin Burgard, Carolyn Kovats, and Lorna Meyer Calas (honorary committee chair)
Photo by Nicholas Lea Bruno/CCA
Marv Tseu laughing at the spring 2019 gala.
Photo by Nicholas Lea Bruno/CCA
The 2019 gala program.
Photo by Nicholas Lea Bruno/CCA
CCA Alumni and Parent Engagement Senior Manager Lisa Jonas (MFA Fine Arts 2014), Eleni Berg (Ceramics 2019), and Berlin Gabrielle Barrera (Painting and Drawing 2020)
Photo by Nicholas Lea Bruno/CCA
Guests socializing at the gala amid student and alumni artwork.
Photo by Nicholas Lea Bruno/CCA
2018
Honoring the remarkable Kay Kimpton Walker
Record-breaking funds raised for students
CCA gathered more than 375 supporters for its annual gala celebration on May 23, 2018, honoring the remarkable Kay Kimpton Walker, who has chaired seven gala fundraisers and helped raise over $4 million for scholarships, providing hundreds of students with access to an arts education at CCA.
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our sponsors and supporters, the event brought in a record-breaking $1.27 million for student scholarships, creating countless opportunities for talented and deserving students to attend CCA regardless of their financial background.
2018 Gala
Author Jennifer Egan Speaking during the Gala
Drew Altizer Photography
CCA President Stephen Beal, Cathy Podell, Honoree Kay Kimpton Walker, and 2016 Gala Honoree Stanlee Gatti.
Drew Altizer Photography
Event artwork: AnnWeber. Personages: Black and WhiteTogether, 2013.
Artist: Ann Weber
Dennis Calas, Trustee Lorna Meyer Calas, Carol and Gerry Parker
Drew Altizer Photography
Jennifer & Douglas Biederbeck, Mary Robinson, Chairman of the Board Art Gensler
Drew Altizer Photography
Event table setting and auction materials.
Drew Altizer Photography
Author Jennifer Egan and her mother, Honoree Kay Kimpton Walker.
Drew Altizer Photography
Jessica Silverman, Alison Pincus, and Leslie Podell.
Drew Altizer Photography
Boz Scaggs, Roselyne Chroman Swig, Michael Krasny
Drew Altizer Photography
Pam and Larry Baer
Drew Altizer Photography
Randi and Bob Fisher
Drew Altizer Photography
Sonya Yu and Zach Lara
Drew Altizer Photography
Valerie Wade and Michael Brennan
Drew Altizer Photography
2017
Honoring design visionary David Kelley
An evening with over $1 million in donations
CCA’s 2017 gala benefit drew more than 400 supporters to its San Francisco campus for a sold-out celebration honoring renowned design visionary David Kelley, founder of the global design consultancy IDEO, establishing a new scholarship fund in his honor—the David Kelley Endowed Scholarship—and inspiring the crowd to make generous, real-time donations to inaugurate the fund.
Helmed by co-chairs and CCA trustees Patricia W. Fitzpatrick, Lorna Meyer Calas, and Kay Kimpton Walker, along with honorary chair and CCA trustee Stanlee R. Gatti, the gala brought together both long-standing CCA patrons and new supporters from across the Bay Area design industry, exceeding expectations by grossing more than $1 million in donations to fund CCA student scholarships.
2017 Gala
ENGAGE! Mural by CCA students
Photo: Jim Norrena
Gala table setting and printed event materials.
Photo: Jim Norrena
Atmosphere during the speaker reception at the gala.
Photo: Jim Norrena
Gala event artwork by Bruna Massadas (MFA 2012. Telephone; 2015.)
Photo: Jim Norrena
David Kelley with friends
Photo: Jim Norrena
Student—now faculty—Emeric Kennard speaking at the gala event
Photo: Jim Norrena
Gina Peterson, Sarah Thornton, 2016 Gala Honoree Stanlee Gatti, Penny Coulter, and Jessica Silverman.
Photo: Jim Norrena
IDEO founder David Kelley and Chris Flink, director of the San Francisco Exploratorium.
Photo: Jim Norrena
Event Artwork: Maria Guzman Capron (MFA2015) Meteorita, 2016.
Photo: Jim Norrena
Patricia W. Fitzpatrick, 2017 Gala Honoree David Kelley, 2018 Gala Honoree Kay Kimpton Walker, 2016 Gala Honoree Stanlee Gatti, and CCA Trustee Lorna Meyer Calas
Photo: Jim Norrena
2016
Honoring renowned designer Stanlee R. Gatti
A local icon bolsters fundraising efforts
Attracting more than 450 supporters, CCA’s 2016 gala benefit celebrated renowned Bay Area designer and community leader Stanlee R. Gatti, whom CCA surprised with a new scholarship fund in his honor, the Stanlee Gatti Endowed Scholarship, bolstered by generous real-time donations totaling more than $330,000.
Led by co-chairs and CCA trustees Patricia W. Fitzpatrick and Lorna Meyer Calas, with honorary chair and CCA trustee Kay Kimpton Walker, the evening surpassed all financial goals by grossing more than $1.24 million in donations to help fund CCA student scholarships, empowering hundreds of young artists to pursue their dreams.
2016 Gala
CCA President Stephen Beal speaking at the event.
Photo: Jim Norrena
2016 Gala Honoree Stanlee Gatti speaking at the event.
Photo: Jim Norrena
Denise Hale, Willie Brown, and Dede Wilsey
Photo: Jim Norrena
Gala band stage performance
Photo: Jim Norrena
Gala drummer stage performance
Photo: Jim Norrena
Charlotte Shultz
Photo: Jim Norrena
2018 Gala Honoree Kay Kimpton Walker, CCA Trustee Lorna Meyer Calas, and Patricia Fitzpatrick
Photo: Jim Norrena
Jessica Silverman, Joachim Bechtle, and Sarah Thornton
Photo: Jim Norrena
Neal Benezra speaking at the event.
Photo: Jim Norrena
Charles Desmarais and Kitty Morgan
Photo: Jim Norrena
Carol Bonnie and Leslie Podell
Photo: Jim Norrena
Bill Obendorf, Susan Obendorf, and Dan Kingsley
Photo: Jim Norrena
Atmosphere during the event
Photo: Jim Norrena
Valet parking reception for the event.
Photo: Jim Norrena
Atmosphere during the event
Photo: Jim Norrena
Atmosphere during the event
Photo: Jim Norrena
Atmosphere during the event.
Photo: Jim Norrena
Our galas support scholarships for talented CCA students