On February, 2nd over 500 revelers filled the MCA Warehouse for one of Chicago’s favorite fundraisers for the Museum of Contemporary Art, artEdge. Always one of the most creative and artistic events we attend, this year’s fete was no different. The warehouse backdrop set the stage for the gritty factory theme, as notable guests like Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Johnson Publishing CEO Linda Johnson Rice entered through a back alley, checked in with time cards and entered an edgy world of factory frivolity. Once inside, the creative journey began. Guests were greeted by co-chairs Anne Kaplan, Anita Blanchard and Martin Nesbitt and Susan and Michael Canmann, who were draped in “caution tape”.

During the evening, guests explored and dined “buffet style” in three unique dining areas.  In The Chain Link Room, guests noshed on onion rings, fried mushrooms, and popcorn that they could grab from bowls uniquely attached to chain-linked fenced walls. In the Cafeteria Room, guests dined on tins of macaroni and cheese, baked potatoes with chipped beef and tuna casserole. Partygoers enjoyed a buffet wall of Mediterranean farro and kale and brussel sprout salad, as well as soup creatively served in trashcan vessels and panini’s ironed by “factory workers” in The Corrugated Room. While guests dined, performers entertained throughout the evening curated by Jyldo and Peter Taub, MCA Director of Performance Programs.

Following dinner, patrons headed downstairs for an upbeat concert from Indie pop and soul group, Fitz and The Tantrums.

Over $900,000 was raised for MCA programming.