An Event of Note
The Madison Symphony Orchestra League’s Tables of Note event(s) are November 11 and 12 (see previous blog entry for event details). I spoke with Jean Cowden, chair of the event, to find out a little more about the Symphony fundraiser.
Why are you holding the Tables of Note event for the first time this year? In the past we had done a Symphony Showhouse and we looked this year but were encountering difficulties because of the economy. People aren’t spending a ton of money and redoing their homes. Both Milwaukee and Omaha had done tabletop displays and had been successful so we decided to create our own Tables of Note.
Why did you choose ArborGate as the event venue?ArborGate is a brand new office building and they offered us use of it, free of charge. They are terrific to work with. We’ve got a skyline view of the city and you can see the lakes, the Beltine the university—it’s a beautiful venue.
Who do you think will attend the event?Our members and their guests. For the [Wednesday event] it will be some of the smphony aficionados who love to come to events and support us. On Thursday we will have lots of the general public come to see what it is. It’s quite spectacular.
What are some of themes you’re seeing? (Ed’s note: I interviewed Cowden on Tuesday as the event was being set up.)The first one that’s almost finished is Zander’s and they’ve done winter sparkle. It’s orange and hot pink and a tree that’s loaded with beautiful glass bulbs is the centerpiece. Alan Boehmer is working on his which is a dinner for two; a more intimate space in earth tones. Willow Creek is doing “An Old fashioned Christmas” theme with a wreath and some other things. Rubin’s has contemporary tabletop with a hydraulic glass table that raises and lowers and they’ve placed it in front of a TV set. It’s an all-American meal!
How many displays are there and what’s for sale out of the displays?There are twenty-two different tabletops. Each of the designers has been asked to donate something or an item for the auction. We have a number of things like design services, artwork and dishes.
I also talked to Mary Grundahl, stager with JG Development. Their table’s look was silver and gold.“Our theme is Building Memories. What JG Development does is build and remodel homes. People have memories at home. The tablescape includes one table setting each for a wedding, anniversary, new home and birthday—all of the things you could celebrate in your home.We used our personal items and Boston Store helped with the place settings. It’s a good cause and a fun event.”
For tickets, Pat Feltskog, 238-9836. madisonsymphony.org/tables/
