ROANOKE, Va. (Oct. 25, 2016) — The Taubman Museum of Art was honored to bring together more than 400 of Southwest Virginia’s top female professionals and philanthropists for the annual Women’s Luncheon Monday, October 24, to celebrate women, art and education in the region. Kroger sponsored the event.
Jane Gershon Weitzman, a former lead executive with the international fashion brand Stuart Weitzman, served as keynote speaker. Weitzman also collaborated with the Museum to organize the exhibition, Art & Sole: Fantasy Shoes from the Jane Gershon Weitzman Collection, which is on view now.
Weitzman invited hundreds of artists over two decades to make these whimsical shoes for window displays in the company’s flagship boutique on Madison Avenue in New York City. Each delicate shoe is constructed from unexpected materials such as bronze, ceramic, wire, Plexiglas and corrugated cardboard. They later inspired her book, “Art & Sole,” which features nearly 150 of the shoes.
“With her keen creative eye, sharp business acumen, and caring philanthropic spirit, Jane is an inspiration,” said Della Watkins, executive director at the Taubman Museum of Art. “Our Women’s Luncheon attendees were moved by her presentation and delighted by her exhibition.”
At the luncheon, the Museum honored Jenny Taubman, a longtime friend and benefactor of the Museum who is known throughout the country for her advocacy and philanthropy in the arts, with the Ann Fralin Award. The award honors a woman for her vision, commitment and support of the arts, education and quality of life in the community.
The Museum also honored Roanoke City Vice Mayor Anita Price with the annual Art Venture Award, which recognizes a woman for her outstanding leadership in arts education and for her volunteerism in partnership with the Taubman Museum of Art.
Art & Sole: Fantasy Shoes from the Jane Gershon Weitzman Collection is on view at the Taubman Museum of Art through December 31, 2016. It previously was on view at the Bass in Miami March 8-April 10, 2016.
