The Gala at MCASD

Chaired by Catriona Jamieson and Sheldon Morris, "The Gala: Horizons" draws inspiration from their passion for science and space—realms that have long captivated artists exploring the infinite, the unknown, and the unknowable. Just as black holes bend light and reshape space, contemporary art shifts perspectives, challenges expectations, and unveils new ways of thinking. MCASD serves as a dynamic hub for these explorations, offering world-class exhibitions, cutting-edge programs, and transformative educational experiences that engage and inspire our community.

Join us for an exhilarating evening overlooking the vast Pacific, surrounded by art and space. Begin your evening with specialty bites and exquisite cocktails, before enjoying a specially curated meal by Chef Tim Kolanko, Urban Kitchen Group.

The Gala is the Museum’s premiere and largest fundraising event, annually raising over $900,000. Your attendance directly supports the mission of the Museum to invite all audiences to experience our world, our region, and ourselves through the prism of contemporary art. We look forward to an exceptional evening with you in support of MCASD.

Please note that The Gala is 21+.

Ticket Information

***Please note that the last day to purchase tables and tickets to The Gala: Horizons will be Sunday, August 24.***

PREMIERE TABLE

Reservations at $50,000 for table of ten ($48,150 is tax-deductible)

Individual reservations at $5,000 per person ($4,815 is tax-deductible)

For all ticket holders:

Premiere table location | Tableside champagne service | Upgraded wine pairings and a dedicated wine steward | Complimentary Alex Katz exhibition catalogue |

Complimentary valet parking

For Table Sponsors only:

Private curatorial tour of Alex Katz: Theater and Dance for up to 10 guests (exhibition on view August 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026)

Reserve Tickets

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PLATINUM TABLE

Reservations at $25,000 for table of ten ($23,250 is tax-deductible)

Individual reservations at $2,500 per person ($2,325 is tax-deductible)

For all ticket holders:

Preferred table location | Tableside champagne service | Upgraded wine pairings and a dedicated wine steward | Complimentary valet parking

For Table Sponsors only:

Private curatorial tour of Alex Katz: Theater and Dance for up to 10 guests (exhibition on view August 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026)

Reserve Tickets

-

GOLD TABLE

Reservations at $15,000 for table of ten ($13,350 is tax-deductible)

Individual reservations at $1,500 per person ($1,335 is tax-deductible)

Seating in the Art Park Dining Room | Complimentary valet parking

Reserve Tickets

Underwriting Opportunities

Support the future of contemporary art by underwriting The Gala: Horizons. As an underwriter, your generous contribution directly offsets event costs—ensuring that every dollar raised goes toward supporting the museum’s exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives. Underwriters receive special recognition on digital assets and at The Gala.

Reach your corporate social responsibility goals with MCASD. Grow your brand awareness and expand your client network – in an artful way. Your individual and/or corporate investment is 100% tax-deductible. Join us in making this unforgettable night of art and celebration possible.

We are eager to create meaningful and lasting partnerships; please contact Alexis Polakoff, Senior Director, Development at apolakoff@mcasd.org for custom Underwriting and Sponsorship packages to fit your needs.

Underwriting Opportunity – The Cocktail Hour

Underwriting Opportunity – The Gala Dinner

Underwriting Opportunity (PDF)

About the Chairs

Sheldon Morris, M. D. MPH is a Clinical Professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine and Division of Family Medicine, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health at UC, San Diego. Catriona Jamieson, M.D., Ph.D., is a Professor of Medicine, Chief of the Division of Regenerative Medicine and Director of the Sanford Stem Cell Institute.

Sheldon and Cat are committed to supporting their community in the arts, education and health. Cat’s mother is an artist and her father was an engineer. Together they taught her that art expands your mind. As long-time residents of La Jolla with two children, Isabella and Harris, Sheldon and Cat consider MCASD an iconic community resource that represents the strong dedication to the arts by our community and a destination to all those that live or visit San Diego. Sheldon has served on the MCASD Board of Trustees since 2021.

Honorary Committee

Thank you to our generous supporters and underwriters that make this event successful.

Deena and Ken* Altman

Barbara Arledge*

Melissa Garfield Bartell* and Michael Bartell

Mary* and Jim Berglund

AJ and Chris* Birchby

Frania and Charles* Black

Nancy* and Matthew Browar

Marcia Hazan* and Mark Cammell

Karen Cohn*

Jennifer Nelson* and John Dineen

Carolyn P. Farris*

Deidre Buddin* and Jose Fernandez

Karen S. Fox*

Celia Henely*

Alex High*

Margaret Jackson*

Dr. Paul E. Jacobs*

Chanfeng Zhao and Tao Jiang*

Kathryn Kanjo and David Jurist

Patsy and David* Marino

Margret and Nevins* McBride

Anna Haudenschild Meier* and Philip Meier

Lorenza Fabre Vega* and Bruno Meli

Alessandra Moctezuma*

Drs. Catriona Jamieson and Sheldon Morris*

Garna Muller*

Kristina and Ali* Nafii

Maryanne* and Irwin Pfister

Elizabeth Phelps*

Cami and Tom* Rosso

Colette Carson Royston* and Ivor Royston

Lise Wilson and Steve Strauss*

*Names are listed alphabetically. 2025-2026 MCASD Board of Trustees are notated with *. List as of 8/21.

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