Curated Texan
Dazzling Centennial Soirée Raises Record-Breaking $3.5 Million With 1920s Theme
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Jenny Antill Photography
Pershant and Nidhika Mehta
THE SCENE: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston was the recent setting for a dazzling night that combined philanthropy with the celebration of an incredible milestone for one of Space City’s most beloved organizations. Over 375 of the city’s top art patrons, collectors, sociables, and philanthropists descended upon the grounds of the iconic museum for the organization’s Grand Gala Ball. This year’s fête served double duty since it also celebrated the 100th anniversary of The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
THE VIBE: The Roaring Twenties event theme served as a nod to when the museum first opened 100 years ago. This was apparent from the attire of the black-tie crowd, with patrons donning an array of classic tuxedos and evening gowns, mixed in with those who took full advantage of the theme wearing sequins, fringe, and metallic in the celebratory environment.
& Chinhui and Eddie Allen
The night began with a festive cocktail hour where patrons entered the cocktail space greeted by dancers and flappers representing the Roaring Twenties which several revelers used as an opportunity to pose for images with them to serve as a keepsake for the evening. During the cocktail reception, guests cozied up to the black and gold custom bar and ordered their favorite Gatsby-era signature cocktails, including Old Fashioned and Manhattans. After grabbing their vintage cocktail of choice, revelers mingled and mixed it up with other guests while tunes by the David Caceres Jazz Trio gave the space the perfect mix of fun and elegance.
Partygoers then entered Cullinan Hall for dinner and the main program. Upon entering the spaces, many jaws dropped as they saw floor-to-ceiling drapes of green velvet with shimmering gold accents on the 40-foot-tall walls. Richard Flowers of The Events Company continued the inventive, timeless décor with Art Deco-inspired linens, white and green florals, crystal centerpieces, and five statement chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The walls of the room were adorned with banquette seating and custom oval tables that brought a speakeasy vibe into the timeless, stunning space.
Patrons were treated to a delectable, multi-course meal courtesy of City Kitchen, with each course being paired with wines from Sonoma’s Aperture Cellars Winery. While guests enjoyed their meals, they were treated to words from organization’s and event’s leaders, while a slide show featuring images of some of the top moments over the past 100 years played into the background. One could spot many people toasting the success of the past 100 years of the museum with excitement about what is to come over the next one hundred.
and Geraldina Wise
Anu Lal & Nidhika Mehta
The night was capped off with a trio of musical performances that had the fun going well into the night. Revelers were first treated to live vocals courtesy of Brandon Wattz. Next, a special, themed-dance courtesy of Astarte Creative featuring performers in Roaring Twenties flapper showgirl costumes which brought the crowd to their feet and onto the dance floor. The fun continued on the dance floor well into the night as patrons danced the night away to the tunes of DJ Kiss, finishing an epic night and a toast to the world-class museum that had made Houston one of the world’s top art destinations.
THE NON-PROFIT: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Grand Gala Ball and Centennial Celebration, underwritten by Lugano and hosted by 18 of Houston’s most prominent art patrons and collectors raised over $3.5 million for The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. This record-breaking sum was made possible by all the patrons who attended as well as the $1 million donation by Nancy and Rich Kinder. Proceeds raised from the event will benefit the museum’s operating budget.
