On Friday, May 1st, 2009 the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft will hold the 23rd Annual Oaks Brunch fundraiser, sponsored by Hilliard Lyons, at The Brown Hotel. The day begins at 9:30am with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and a silent auction in The Brown’s South Lobby. At 10:30, guests will proceed to the Crystal Ballroom for a brunch created by Chef Laurent Géroli and music from jazz pianist Steve Crews.

This year the silent auction will feature halters from 3 famous horses: Curlin, AP Indy and War Pass, paintings by former jockey Tom Chapman, roundtrip tickets from Southwest Airlines, the ceremonial first pitch at a Louisville Bats baseball game and much, much more. Hours for the Silent Auction will be Thursday, April 30th from Noon-8pm (open to the public) and Friday, May 1st from 9:30am-Noon (Oaks Brunch Attendees Only) and Noon-8pm (open to the public).

KMAC’s Gallery Shop will feature a stunning display of one of a kind Derby hats for sale in the lobby of The Brown created by Ann deVuono, Lisa Battaglia, Angie Schultz, Jill Henning, Louise Green, Vicky Hoskinson as well as others. A wide variety of unique hand crafted artwork will be on display and available for purchase as well.

The event’s menu was specially designed by The Brown Hotel’s Executive Chef Laurent Géroli. The feast will include:

Passed Hors d’ oeuvres: Mini Hot Browns and Bourbon Glazed Shrimp accompanied with Bloody Marys, Classic Mimosas as well as the  PAMA Mimosa.

First Course: Curry Crecy Soup with Allspice Crème Fraiche

Entrée: Onion Marmalade Crusted Pork Medallion, Tempura Zucchini, Mini Roasted Red Pepper, Petit Pan Squash and Kenny’s Farm House Cheddar Risotto Cake with Juniper Berry Sauce

Dessert: Vanilla Caramel Bombe with Honey Bourbon Mocha Sauce

Tickets are $150 each, or $1,500 for a table of 10. Call (502)589-0102 or visit www.kentuckyarts.org to purchase tickets or make a donation.

About the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft

The Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft is a nonprofit organization founded in 1981. Its mission is to promote and support art and craft excellence in Kentucky. The Museum is supported in part by the Fund for the Arts and the Kentucky Arts Council, a state arts agency that supports the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft through the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes a great nation deserves great art. It is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or by appointment. Admission is $5 for adults, free for members, students and children under 12. For more information or to become a Member, please call 502.589.0102 or log on to www.KentuckyArts.org.