It’s been said there’s a thin line between genius and madness, and the MAD PAPERBALL fearlessly walked the line by additionally treating guests with the new show, Slash: Paper Under the Knife, which was an exhibition of works by over fifty international artists (think designers Matthew Williamson, Issey Miyake, Lela Rose and 47 other notables) all commissioned to create site-specific works made of cut, torn, burned and shredded paper. I was awestruck by the paper blazer and ball gown, but you had to also love host committee member and jewelry designer Genevieve Jones hair accessory, clearly a homage to the artists of the evening. The exhibition is on display until April 2010, and pictures will not suffice; you simply must go for the visceral experience. The madness did not end there. In the Open Studios food demonstrations by chefs such as Jean-George Vongerichten explored the creative process by exposing how fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy – and even paper – can serve as mediums for artistic expression. In the Projects Gallery a chic bar and dance floor set the scene for continued revelry. Thomas Onorato, partner in OW! (Onorato Wixom) and proud steering committee member, laughingly acknowledged, “It’s not your grandmother’s gala.” | 
