Over 500 guests are slated to attend Bass Museum of Art’s annual fundraiser, “A Night at the Museum” from 8 to 11 p.m. on Thursday.

The event will include a preview of the institution’s newest exhibit: “From Picasso to Koons: The Artist as Jeweler”, which opens to the public March 15 through July 21.

In addition to works by Picasso and Koons, the exhibit features over 200 pieces of wearable art by 135 artists including Roy Lichtenstein, Man Ray, Claude Lalanne, Yoko Ono and Louise Bourgeois.

Many of the works on display are from the private collection of the exhibition’s curator, Diana Venet, who has been involved with artist jewelry for over 25 years.

“I’m careful to ask only those artists I think will find the request challenging and fun. It’s important they recognize that the jewel should be seen as an extension of their art-making” explains Venet, who will attend the event.

Accordingly, the fundraiser’s theme is all things “bejeweled”, including the décor, cocktails and food, according to event co-chairs Christina Getty-Maercks and Criselda Breene.

A silent auction will feature items such as four tickets (in the President’s Box) to the Arsht Center’s upcoming musical “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” (value $2,500) and a private cooking class with Chef Michelle Bernstein.

Event admission is $250 per couple, a one-year Museum membership (or renewal). The Bass Museum of Art is at 2100 Collins Ave. in Miami Beach. For tickets or information, visit www.bassmusuem.org or call 305-673-7530.

WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

The 5th annual Miami Beach Women’s Conference takes place Friday, March 22 in celebration of National Women’s History Month.

This year’s event, “Where We Were, Where We Are and Where We’re Going” features guest speakers including Patricia Ireland, former president of National Organization for Women, Elizabeth Schwartz, prominent Miami Beach-based human rights attorney, and Jersey Garcia, Executive Director of Mi Lola, a non-profit that advocates for women’s health justice.

The event begins with a free breakfast bar open to the public (8:30-9 a.m.) in the commission chambers at Miami Beach City Hall, followed by a panel discussion from 9 a.m. to noon.

“Lunch in the Garden” will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden honoring State Senator Gwen Margolis. Lunch cost is $30 in advance; $35 at the door.

“We are proud to host this event again this year in order to continue empowering ourselves to help empower others,” said Dona Zemo, co-founder of Women’s Exhibit, producer of the event.

For luncheon tickets or further details, visit www.womensexhibit.org or call 305-209-6626.

ATTENTION SHUTTERBUGS

Two local events are encouraging photographers (professional and amateur) to take pictures of Miami Beach – and possibly win prizes for it.

On March 17, Fotomission and Tropicolor will host the ninth annual South Beach Photomarathon. Participants will be assigned six topics throughout the day (via text, email, Facebook and Twitter so as to keep it a secret). Three top winners per topic will receive cash prizes and plexi-mounted prints of their images. Cost to enter is $40. Register online at www.fotomission.org.