GLOW UP BENEFIT &
LIGHTING AUCTION
GLOW UP
BENEFIT & LIGHTING AUCTION
MAK CENTER AT THE FITZPATRICK-LELAND HOUSE
SEPTEMBER 25, 2026
SEPTEMBER 26, 2026
GLOW UP marks the first spark in the revitalization of the MAK Center’s Fitzpatrick-Leland House (R.M. Schindler, 1936). Over two evenings, these MAK Center Benefit events celebrate the first phase of a brighter vision for the Fitzpatrick-Leland House as a site for research, cultural exchange, culinary programs, and public engagement. Your support helps make this future possible while sustaining the MAK Center's exhibitions, residency programs, and public programs.
Guests will experience a special culinary program supported by the newly renovated kitchen, alongside a curated auction of artful lighting, illuminating both the future of the Fitzpatrick-Leland House and the MAK Center's work across our three Schindler-designed sites.
September 25 | SEATED DINNER & AUCTION PREVIEW
Guests are invited to an intimate evening featuring a special seated dinner and culinary program, alongside an exclusive preview of the lighting auction.
September 26 | COCKTAIL RECEPTION & AUCTION
The MAK Center will welcome a broader community of supporters for a cocktail reception and curated auction of collectible lighting by leading designers.
With Gratitude
HOST COMMITTEE
Spencer Velasquez and Taylor Robitaille, Honorary Chairs
Brian Butterfield
Marc Covitz
Frank Escher
Ilana Gafni
Blake Greenbaum
Daria Greenbaum
Betsy Greenberg
Ravi GuneWardena
Randall S. Kroszner
Tyler Dean Larson
Andrea Lenardin Madden
Louis Magnano
Andy Meyers
David L. Nelson
Kali Nikitas
Steve NyBlom
Mehran Taslimi
Laila Taslimi
Severine Tatangelo
LEGACY SPONSOR
VISIONARY SPONSOR
SENSORIAL PARTNER
SOUND BY
CULINARY & HOSPITALITY PARNER
CHOCOLATES BY
BEVERAGE PARTNER
COMMUNICATIONS PARTNER
PLANTS BY
The Setting
The Fitzpatrick-Leland House commands a strong presence along the slope of Laurel Canyon and Mulholland Drive. Originally commissioned by developer Clifton Fitzpatrick as a speculative house intended to attract buyers to new housing tracts in the surrounding hills, the house underwent numerous changes of ownership and modification over the decades. In 1990, Russ Leland acquired the property and, working with architect and contractor Jeff Fink, undertook a restoration that recovered much of Schindler's original design. In 2007, Leland donated the building and property to the MAK Center, helping to ensure its preservation as a historically significant work of modern architecture.
Today, the MAK Center programs the Fitzpatrick-Leland House to host small-scale events and serve as a gathering place for cultural researchers visiting Los Angeles for artistic and scholarly pursuits, including the MAK Center's annual Researcher-in-Residence program, presented in collaboration with the SOM Foundation.
In 2026, the MAK Center is launching critical preservation work at the Fitzpatrick-Leland House addressing accessibility, fire safety, and building systems. The project also includes program-enabling infrastructure, including a renovated kitchen to support new culinary and convening programs. Together, these investments will transform the site from a limited-access historic property into a safe, functional, and welcoming space for sustained public use.
For sponsorship and auction inquiries, please contact Nika Sourakov at development[at]makcenter.org
The MAK Center for Art and Architecture is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Tax ID: #20-5101447.