The annual Hotbed Art Benefit at the Drever Family’s Giardini del Paradiso Estate in Tiburon, CA energizes what it means to be creative and giving. It is an extraordinary event that includes artwork in various mediums, a spectacular fashion runway show, auctions, and celebrity emcees, all to benefit chosen nonprofit organizations. Melissa Schaeffer, an exhibiting artist for three of the years, finds working with this dynamic family exhilarating . John C. Morris co-curated this extensive and multifaceted art show in 2013 with Lauren Drever. The different spaces within the tabula rasa gallery and nuanced home invigorated the curation of the varied artworks. It was an engaging challenge for John outside of the museum context.
John C. Morris, Co-Curator of art show for Hotbed Art Benefit 2013
Charles Auerbach (left) and Maxwell Drever (right) pictured during installation. Their warm friendship has developed through committee work and joint projects in Belvedere and Tiburon over the decades.
Hotbed Art Benefit, August 2015
Curated by Lauren Drever
Melissa Schaeffer, REUNION/SKY HOLDING WATER, Photographed in Brooklyn, NY and Santa Fe, NM 2013, Printed 2014, Film Transparency with Cherry Wood Frame and Plexiglass, 36 in. x 120 in., Edition of 3. Frame by Andrew Berg 2015.
Melissa Schaeffer, NEW LIFE (left) and DEEP HOME (right) from VEINS SERIES, Photographed in Seattle, WA 2010, Printed 2015, Film Transparency with Alder Wood Frame with Hawthorn, Copper Inlay and Glass. Each 24 in. x 36 in. Edition of 3. Frame by Andrew Berg 2015.
Hotbed Art Benefit, August 2013
Co-Curated by Lauren Drever and John C. Morris
Melissa Schaeffer, SUNSTAR (top left) from ICELAND SERIES, Photographed in Iceland 2009, Printed 2009/2010, Film Transparency with Stained Ash Frame and Glass, 20 in. x 30 in.
Melissa Schaeffer, IMPRESSION (bottom left) from ICELAND SERIES, Photographed in Iceland 2009, Printed 2009/2010, Film Transparency with Stained Ash Frame and Glass, 20 in. x 30 in.
(Not Pictured) Melissa Schaeffer, PISCES from SEA CHILDREN SERIES, Photographed in Nantucket, MA 2012, Printed 2013. Film Transparency with Plexiglass, 36 in. x 24 in. Not Editioned.
(Not Pictured) Melissa Schaeffer, CAPRICORN from SEA CHILDREN SERIES, Photographed in Nantucket, MA 2012, Printed 2013. Plexiglass, 24 in. x 36 in. Not Editioned.
Hotbed Art Benefit, August 2012
Curated by Lauren Drever
Melissa Schaeffer, HOUSETREES (left) from ICELAND SERIES, Photographed in Iceland 2009, Printed 2009/2010, Film Transparency with Stained Ash Frame and Glass, 20 in. x 30 in.
Melissa Schaeffer, REYKJAVIK SHOREBIRD (right) from ICELAND SERIES, Photographed in Iceland 2009, Printed 2009/2010, Film Transparency with Stained Ash Frame and Glass, 20 in. x 30 in.
