2008 EVENTS

Friends of Bezalel Celebration of the Arts
December 11, 2008
Sotheby's, New York
On December 11th, Friends of Bezalel honored artist Frank Stella with the Jerusalem Prize for Arts and Letters at its Annual Celebration of the Arts. Mr. Stella spoke memorably about his time as a teacher at Bezalel. The gala was held at Sotheby's where the Friends were able to preview the Israeli and International Art sale. We were delighted to have Sotheby's Chairman, Lisa Dennison, join us and welcome our guests to Sotheby's. We also honored Rivka Saker, Chairman, Sotheby's Israel, and Jennifer Roth, Senior Vice President, Sotheby's New York, with the Distinguished Israeli Service Awards. It was a night to celebrate, as we also presented Blanche and Romie Shapiro, the founders of Friends of Bezalel, with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Finally, we introduced the new leadership for the Friends, Board Chairman, Ilan Kaufthal and President, Bathsheva Rifkin. This was our most successful event yet! Proceeds from the benefit will help Bezalel to establish student scholarships, purchase state-of-the art equipment that will enhance classroom and studio facilities, create special programs for recent immigrants, as well as to promote harmonious relationships among diverse groups of talented students in the region. View photos from the event

A Conversation with Elinor Milchan and Avishai Cohen
November 6, 2008
Maison Gerard Gallery at 53 East 10th Street between Broadway and University.
On November 6th, Friends of Bezalel hostef artist, Elinor Milchan and her guests at Maison Gerard Gallery in Greenwich Village for the launch of her wonderous multi-screen video installation, Seven: A Visual Journey of Light as a Symbol of Time. Milchan's collaborator, renowned international jazz musician Avishai Cohen, joined her to discuss the design, creation, and significance of this remarkable work. Copies of Elinor's book, Seven, were on sale and all proceeds will benefited Friends of Bezalel. Visit Elinor Milchan's website. Learn more about this innovative public video installation. [PDF]
Credit: Video stills from 'Seven' installation.

Projects 87: Sigalit Landau
March 25, 2008
Museum of Modern Art, New York
Contemporary Galleries, second floor
The Museum of Modern Art is the site of Bezalel graduate Sigalit Landau’s provocative exhibition, Projects 87. Friends of Bezalel met with Sigalit in the gallery for a special pre-opening event, then joined the artist later for a delightful evening at Bar Modern.
View photos from the event.

Michal Rovner
March 11, 2008
PaceWildenstein Chelsea
Friends of Bezalel enjoyed a private viewing of the sculpture and an enlightening talk in the gallery with Michal Rovner. We also viewed the video Michal created about Makom and her work. Talking with Michal Rovner is always a stimulating and thoughtful experience, and many Friends stayed into the evening hours in conversation with the artist. View photos from the event.

A summer evening with filmmaker Maya Zack
June 10, 2008
The Jewish Museum, New York City
Friends of Bezalel was pleased to present an exclusive viewing of Maya Zack's installation at The Jewish Museum in New York. Participants were treated to a lively discussion with Maya, who spoke about her background, her creative inspirations, and her masterful short film ‘Mother Economy’.