Thursday was a most significant day in the history of our fabulous Dayton Art Institute.  The Jefferson Patterson Society invited their members, and special guests to dinner & to preview  the DAI’s most outstanding exhibition: ‘Rembrandt, and The Golden Age of Dutch Art’ … Treasures from the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’.

This black-tie dinner also featured a special farewell to former DAI Director Alex Nyerges, who is now Director of the Richmond, Virginia Museum. Interim Director, Bradford Tillson, welcomed members and introduced the special guests -  Counsul General of the Kingdom of The Netherlands William Schiff, and J.P. Sigmond, PH.D., Director of Collections for The Rijksmuseum.  

This year is the four hundredth anniversary of Rembrandt’s birth – an event the DAI celebrates by showing fifty etchings and paintings by the most memorable and revered artist in history. This collection also showcases works by the most significant artists of the 17th century – Netherlands. It is the most significant exhibition ever to be organized by the Rijksmuseum. The Rijksmuseum is undergoing at large scale renovation and rather than store their magnificent holdings, they opted to share their treasures with the western world.

Sponsors are the Berry Family Foundation, the Docent Organization of the DAI, and Mrs. Mary Lange Hayes, Bradley Tidwell, DAI Board Chair, Linda & David Reed, Co-Chairs of the Jefferson Patterson Society, and James Dicke II, Chair Emeritus, all charmed  all charmed the audience with their remarks.  

Karl & Donna Summers sat at a nearby table. Donna’s a Professor of Engineering at UD, and Karl, also an engineer, had a great conversation with a table mate who was a fellow-fly-boy.  Donna just talked horses with her table-mate.

Dede & Jack Longstreth received thanx from Alex for their help.  “E” Berry Gray, & Annie were there.  Dan Coughenour, JR., Rev. Joseph Goetz, John Gray,  Johnny Carroll, Steve Wargo, Mike Houser, Cathy Beiser Black, Irv & Tracy Beiser, Chris Saunders, Weezie McGinnis, Cynthia Shook,  Vince & Elana Bolling, Ben & Marian Schuster, Bill Cassel, Dave Greer, Connie Breen, Wise Glossinger…. To name just a few of the hundred plus in attendance.

“Rembrandt” opens to the public on Sunday, Sept. 24th.  It’s a ‘must do.’  And the fare is certainly less than air fare to Amsterdam!

Oakwood High School’s class of 1946 celebrated their sixtieth reunion last weekend.  “We’ve got thirty people coming….six guys from our class…Patty Marshall, MaryAnn Bergen, & Connie Breen are the only three who attended K thru 12!  And some of the thirty will be spouses of grads,”  (report by Connie Focke Breen)

Pat Sheridan invited several friends for dinner at Moraine on Saturday evening.  Moraine was much quieter than the night before when Dance Group invaded with a record turn out – due to Joe Aceto’s orchestra and the fact that members haven’t yet left for their winter in Florida.

Pat had the round table in the corner so everyone could hear everyones ‘bon mots’. Micky Hayes said she’d had Alex Nyerges for a farewell dinner “…at this same table last night…what is the DAI going to do without him?”  

Tad & Carolyn, Annie & Warner Kiefaber were having an early dinner before rushing off to see “Beauty & The Beast”.  When they stopped by Pat’s table Sara Lytle said she’d seen the play last night and it was great.  Rob Connelly waved on his way through the room. Bob Margolis told wonderful stories of the ‘good old days when downtown Dayton was a vibrant center.’