Rob Giardinelli
A Stylish Crowd, Stellar Cuisine, And Open-Air Charm Come Together For One Unforgettable Night On The Menil Lawn As Houston’s Art Lovers Toast The Season With A Luminous Fête Benefiting The Beloved Museum Campus
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Jenny Antill
& Jessica and Brian Leeke
THE SCENE: A beautiful night under majestic oak trees at The Menil was the setting for one of Houston’s most fun and anticipated al fresco signature fundraising events. Over 400 of the area’s most notable art patrons, collectors, community leaders, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the 5th Annual Party in the Park. Benefiting The Menil Collection, the night featured great art, beautiful weather, fantastic scenery, and fabulous music, resulting in another highly successful night for the organization.
and Paula Daly
THE VIBE: The cocktail-chic crowd featured a mix of cocktail dresses, suits, and sport coats, with many patrons sporting looks with an effortless artistic flair. In the crowd, one could spot ensembles spanning the whole spectrum of the rainbow, with bold prints and neutrals blended in, making one feel as though they were in a bold, engaging work of art. The result was a warm, welcoming environment for all who attended.
Kicking off the night was a lively cocktail hour. Guests walked up the green carpet and took pictures to commemorate the evening. After that, against the backdrop of Mark di Suvero’s beloved towering steel sculpture, Bygones, they mingled and sipped on cocktails underneath the canopy of majestic oak trees. Others who chose to engage in more intimate conversations headed to one of several lounge areas to kick back and enjoy one another’s company.
The night continued with a lively and delectable dinner. Underneath beautiful strands of white lights and chandeliers that hung from centuries-old oak trees, partygoers grabbed delicious bites at a five-star, New Orleans-theme buffet catered by City Kitchen. Guests took to their seats, which were adorned with stunning votives and loose garden arrangements in hues of pink, yellow, white, and dark green, which were designed by Bergner & Johnson.
As guests enjoyed the beautiful night air, they took in the stunning space, which was beautifully accompanied by Austin-based, electric music trio The Point. After dinner, guests returned to the lounge areas for a nightcap to reflect on the beautiful night of friends, conversation, and art that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 5th Annual Party in the Park, co-chaired by Emily Kirby and Ben Ackerley, Katie and Jeff Branigan, Kelly and Russell Hamman, & Olivia and Edward Persia, raised over $400,000 for The Menil Collection. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards public programs as well as the enhancement, maintenance, and care of the museum’s world-class building and grounds.
