COSTA MESA– South Coast Plaza ushers in the season of giving with the first annual Pavilion of Holiday Trees, a spectacular exhibit and auction Nov. 14- Dec. 4 featuring more than 30 one-of-a-kind trees decorated by Southern California, national and international nonprofit arts institutions.
Prominent arts institutions participating in this charitable event include the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Segerstrom Center for the Arts, South Coast Repertory, The Colburn School, and more.
American Friends of the Louvre (AFL), Lang Lang Musical Foundation (LLMF) and The American Dance Movement will showcase specially designed trees. The AFL tree will feature decorations inspired by the Mona Lisa and other works of art at The Louvre, while the LLMF ornaments will include signed Steinway piano keys.
Some tree ornaments will include valuable gifts such as VIP tickets, fine dining gift cards and complimentary subscriptions. The holiday trees will be on view for free to the public 11 a.m.-7 p.m. from Nov. 14 to Dec. 4 at The Pavilion, an open-air space at South Coast Plaza’s north parking structure. COVID-related safety measures will be observed at The Pavilion and throughout South Coast Plaza. Whether or not they attend in person, the public will have an opportunity to bid on the trees in a charity auction at SCPARTS.givesmart.com, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the corresponding organization. The trees will be delivered to the winners in time for holiday celebrations.
“The arts have the power to provide a respite and lift up people during challenging times,” said Debra Gunn Downing, spokeswoman for South Coast Plaza. “Now more than ever, arts organizations need our help as they cope with the profound impact of the pandemic. The Pavilion of Holiday Trees will be a joyful attraction that brings the community together for this important and timely cause.”
South Coast Plaza will present three awards for outstanding design selected by a panel of judges: $2,500 for the third prize winner; $5,000 for the second prize winner and $10,000 for the grand prize winner. The winners will be announced on Dec. 4 in person at The Pavilion and on South Coast Plaza’s social media.
The Pavilion of Holiday Trees reflects South Coast Plaza’s longstanding tradition of arts philanthropy, including support for institutions such as Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Carnegie Hall, American Ballet Theatre, South Coast Repertory, Orange County Museum of Art, and more.
