La Foret de Renaissance: An Immersive Gala at Harvard Art Museums

Real Weddings

Mar 23

I had the pleasure of being the stationery partner for the 2026 WIPA Boston Annual Gala. This organization is one that has become quite special to me, bringing me some of my dearest friendships in this industry. From my very first quarterly meeting, I have been welcomed with open arms. People love the trope about New Englanders (especially Bostonians) being cold and crass. My experience in this community has been far from that! I have been embraced with the warm hospitality and generosity that makes this community so special.

Renee and Ashley of Baciare Events stepped in as the planners for the 2026 gala. When they approached me with their vision at Harvard Art Museums, I just felt gratitude. As a fine art girlie, to be the person on their mind for this design just hit close to home. It felt like a natural fit and seamless extension of my artistry. Paired with their design vision, it was an offer I was eager to say yes to. The main goal of the event was to take the existing gallery and create an immersive experience. The art informed the culinary artistry, music, and performance throughout the evening.

As guests arrived, the check-in station was set in the lobby. In place of name tags, guests were provided with a custom shaped wine tag that featured their name in calligraphy. These were designed to be wrapped around the stem of a glass, or clipped onto the side of a stemless option. Guests were also handed their entry ‘ticket’ to the museum. These tickets included a QR code to the map of the lower level, the full vendor list for easy tagging, and their assigned time slot for the seated dining experience. Each ticket design featured an illustration that would represent one of the four corners, which guests would encounter inside the main space. The immersive performers stood as live trees beside the doors, welcoming guests with an immediately immersive transition into La Foret de Renaissance.

Inside the main space, the room was anchored by the exhibits in each of the four corners. Each corner pulled from a unique piece of artwork that informed the evening. The first corner drew inspiration from Edgar Degas, whose works Grand Arabesque and The Rehearsal capture the poetry of movement, the rigor of discipline, and a sense of quiet elegance. The ballerinas performed throughout the evening, bringing this artwork to life in a tangible way. The second corner drew inspiration from Pierre Bonnard and Paul Cézanne, whose works Interior with Still Life of Fruit and Still Life with Commode celebrate color, form, and the quiet beauty of domestic life. The bowls of apples and fruits were ingredients sprinkled into the menu for the evening. The third corner drew inspiration from ancient jade ritual implements once reserved for the ruling elite. These objects are defined with power, symbolism, and extraordinary craftsmanship. In this corner, The Catered Affair served a variety of noodles and broths, allowing the art to inform the menu. The fourth and final corner drew inspiration from Gustav Klimt and his work Pear Tree, an early modernist painting that reflects renewal, abundance, and artistic rebellion. Pears were woven into the table decor and floral arrangements for the evening.

In the remainder of the space, lounge furniture was spaced for mingling and connection. A curved bar was centered, adorned with a custom wrap of the artwork we used throughout the event. Oval bar signs offered the signature cocktail menu and cocktail napkins continued to elevate the experience.

Downstairs, guests would rotate through a pop-up dining experience. Serpentine tables were filled with florals and violinists set the mood. The Eternal Pond of the Universe was the art piece inspiring this meal, exploring themes of infinity and nature. An amuse-bouche was served alongside a wine pairing for a moment gathered around the table together. Here, our menus pulled in a vintage wallpaper pattern that I matched to the color palette of the evening. The same typography and shapes were used to bring in the menu on the front and the art inspiration on the back.

After all the guests were served in the pop-up experience, the tone of the evening shifted. Toasts and speeches were given by the WIPA Boston board and key partners for the gala, the band opened up the dance floor, and dessert was served. This final piece of the reception was full of joy, dancing, and the unmatched talent of the Jordan Kahn Music Company. Being a part of this evening was such a creative highlight of my year. It was a privilege to offer my services to the community that has given so much to me. The biggest thank you to Renee and Ashley for all their work alongside me and for inviting me into such a meaningful event.