August 2024
Artomobilia has long celebrated the artistry of automobiles, drawing enthusiasts from all corners to admire the intricate designs and engineering marvels on display. This year, the event’s organizers are excited to introduce a new dimension to this iconic gathering—an exclusive experience crafted especially for the ladies.
The Inaugural Ladies Luncheon
“Artistry and Elegance,” a sophisticated ladies’ luncheon, is poised to become a new highlight of Artomobilia. On Saturday, Sept. 7, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., Anthony’s Chophouse will be transformed into a haven of refined tastes and elegant ambiance. Attendees will be invited to step away from the main event’s hustle and bustle to enjoy an afternoon of indulgence and inspiration. This is more than just a luncheon; it is a chance to immerse oneself in the finer arts that perfectly complement the automotive excellence showcased at Artomobilia.
Stephanie Chen Kim, local philanthropist and chief administrative officer of Telamon, along with Mayor Sue Finkam, will be the featured speakers at this event. Attendees will enjoy a specially prepared lunch at Anthony’s Chophouse while hearing from these distinguished leaders.
But the experience doesn’t end with lunch. Your ticket to “Artistry and Elegance” also includes VIP access to the Evans May Wealth VIP area at 3UP for complimentary drinks in the afternoon. This added perk ensures that the day’s enjoyment extends beyond the luncheon, offering a seamless transition back into the vibrant festivities of Artomobilia.
Attendees are encouraged to embrace resort-casual attire, allowing for a relaxed yet chic experience. This dress code perfectly complements the event’s ambiance, striking a balance between comfort and elegance.
Putting the Art in Artomobilia
This year’s “Artistry and Elegance” Luncheon hosts, Caroline Abeleda and Liza Najem, are thrilled to have organized an event that not only collaborates with local arts organizations to raise awareness of the importance of the arts but also brings together a group of remarkable women for an upscale luncheon during the main event, Artomobilia. The luncheon’s attendees will include those who support [Artomobilia] as spouses or partners of automotive enthusiasts, as well as those who are enthusiasts themselves.
“We wanted to create a special opportunity for the women involved with Artomobilia, whether they’re actively a part of the car show or are car enthusiasts themselves,” Abeleda shared. “We saw an opportunity to have a dedicated event specifically for these ladies. Liza [Najem] and I are longtime friends, and our husbands [John Leonard and Anthony Najem] have been great supporters and participants of Artomobilia, so we decided to partner together to host such an event.”
Abeleda added, “Liza and I envisioned an event that would focus on the arts and put the ‘art in Artomobilia,’ specifically in the Arts & Design District in Carmel where Artomobilia is held. We will have a quartet from the Carmel Symphony Orchestra playing to greet the ladies, and we will have a couple of opera singers from the Indianapolis Opera performing during the luncheon. Our keynote speaker will be Stephanie Kim, who has been very active with the arts community and is married to Young Kim, a sponsor and fellow car enthusiast. Both are big supporters, and Stephanie will speak on the importance of the arts. Mayor Finkam will be speaking to the importance of arts in our community as well.”
Abeleda continued, “We are excited that Anthony’s Chophouse is the venue for this luncheon because it is a great location, and it will be an exhilarating culinary experience for our guests. The venue sets the tone for this inaugural luncheon and is a sophisticated backdrop for the heart of the Artomobilia Saturday events.”
Following the luncheon, Caroline Abeleda shared that guests are invited upstairs to the Evans May space for cocktails and conversation. They can enjoy this time alongside their spouses, partners and fellow Artomobilia enthusiasts.
Artomobilia Is a Family-Friendly Event
Artomobilia isn’t just for adults and car enthusiasts; it’s an event that the entire family can enjoy, drawing in multiple generations to create lasting memories together.
“I am a mom of four and grandmother of six and am married to an extreme car enthusiast,” Najem shared. “It goes back to when my husband [Anthony] was turning 50 and I wanted to do something special for him. Caroline suggested that I take him to Pebble Beach for the Concours d’Elegance. That was my real first ‘car show.’ You haven’t been to a ‘real’ car show until you’ve been to a concours, and Pebble Beach is spectacular. That was in 2008, and the enthusiasm has trickled down to my children and my grandchildren. Artomobilia is a family-friendly, multigenerational draw to the Arts & Design District in Carmel.”
Najem added, “We are looking forward to expanding the arts component into Artomobilia, and this luncheon provides us an opportunity to bring in beautiful vocal and performing arts along with dynamic speakers. Our goal is that we will be able to add something different and special each year going forward that will incorporate all aspects of the arts while focusing on the area in Carmel as much as we can.”
Seats for the inaugural Artistry and Elegance Luncheon are extremely limited to 50, so register for your seat as soon as possible at artomobilia.org.