Art of intoxication

Investigator Beth Merritt writes: “This is what happens when you hold an event at a museum and charge $30 for an unlimited number of martinis.” She refers to an incident described in the February 27, 2006 issue of the Milwaukee Sentinel:

Martinifest leaves art museum shaken and stirred
Booking procedures reviewed after wild rental event; 2 artworks being examined
By MARY LOUISE SCHUMACHER

The glistening white Santiago Calatrava addition has made the Milwaukee Art Museum one of the city’s classiest social addresses. But a recent martini fete held there turned into an overcrowded, drunken affair. Some unruly guests accosted artworks, which have been taken off display for a checkup.

People threw up, passed out, were injured, got into altercations and climbed onto sculptures at Martinifest, a semi- formal event organized by Clear Channel Radio and held at the museum Feb. 11, according to several people who attended or worked at the event….