Posted April 22, 2025

The Vero Beach Museum of Art hosted its annual Athena Society Dinner on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 6 p.m. with nearly 200 in attendance. The event is one of the highlights of the Museum’s calendar, as this esteemed group supports the enhancement of the Museum’s collection by purchasing significant works of art. Five artworks for Athena consideration were displayed in the Schumann Gallery for three weeks leading up to the event. After a presentation of the works by VBMA Chief Curator Caitlin Swindell, guests enjoyed lively conversation over dinner, and ballots were collected.

This year, members voted to acquire Magenta, 2020, a stainless steel and lacquer sculpture by British-Indian artist Anish Kapoor (b. 1954). Kapoor is renowned for redefining the possibilities of contemporary sculpture and has established himself as one of the most influential sculptors of his generation. His work often incorporates highly polished surfaces, deep pigments, and negative space to create immersive, often transfixing experiences. One of his most famous works, Cloud Gate (2006) in Millennium Park, Chicago, is a prime example of his ability to merge technical mastery with conceptual depth.

“I’m thrilled that Magenta is entering the VBMA’s permanent collection,” declares VBMA Chief Curator Caitlin Swindell. “This piece will serve as a cornerstone work not only for the collection of sculpture, but also in broader narratives in modern and contemporary art, including experiential art, Op art, and color theory. Kapoor’s Magenta is bold, immersive, and it signals the direction of our growing collection of global contemporary art, building on recent acquisitions by acclaimed artists such as Refik Anadol, Jaume Plensa, and Wu Chi-Tsung, among others.“

The Athena Society was formed in 2003 to acquire art for the Museum’s permanent collection. The Society has grown to a record 148 member households. Athena Society membership dues are $5,000 annually. Museum membership at the Chairman’s Club level or higher is required.

Chair Nell Kleinschmidt leads the Athena Society. The VBMA Collections Committee Chair is Joyce Moss.