by Lance | Jun 12, 2023 | Parties, Blog, San Antonio
Texas Biomedical Forum Celebrates With Gala
By Sallie Lewis Photography by Katie Clementson of Billo Smith Photography
THE SETTING: Recently, The Argyle was in full bloom for the 52nd annual Texas Biomedical Forum Gala. Every year, this event is one of the most anticipated soirees of the spring season–and this year was no exception. Gala Co-Chairs Triana Grossman and Gloria Dilley presented this year’s theme, Birds of a Feather Flock Together, in honor of the covey of women who’ve helped the Forum fly to new heights since its founding in 1970. And are the women of the past, present, and future who’ve made a lasting impact on our community.
On a balmy Saturday evening, hundreds of people descended on The Argyle’s front lawn, where live finches greeted guests from inside a beautiful antique birdcage. Cocktails were served beneath a soaring sail tent that was fashioned with a Greek key trim, draped twinkle lights, and fresh flowers in every imaginable shade of pink. The gala’s custom crest, with its floral and avian motifs, was painted onto the event’s large circular bar and dance floor, while DJ RomiQ and the Dallas String Quartet (DSQ) played onstage amidst a meadow of flowering cherry blossom trees. Elsewhere in the tent, chic lounge areas in shades of ivory and celadon flanked tall folding screens wrapped in Gucci’s Green Heron wallpaper. Linda West, the Dallas-based fortune teller and cheeky “Lipsologist,” also brought her lip-print reading prowess to the celebration this year.
Texas Biomedical Forum Gala Committee 2023
Miguel and Gloria Dilley & Triana and Brandon Grossman
Amelita Mauze, Avril Byrne, Lauren Biegler, Allegra Hawkins, Adrianna Grossman, Christina Ketabchi, Megan Steves, Bonnie Muecke, Amy Berg and Elaine Vornsand
Tracee Feik, Jessica Berg, Heather deRojas, Nancy Finney, Ashley Campbell, Angel Myers, Amy Garcia and Rita Feik
THE STYLE: The 2023 Ribbon Pull was another highlight of the event–and one that helped bolster the fundraising goals. Four glimmering life-size trees draped with red ribbons and acrylic birds revealed a medley of prizes, from gift cards to Kelly Wade Jewelers to local fitness, beauty, and photography packages. Later, guests were treated to a magical, candlelit dinner inside the club. Fresh garlands woven with lush green vines, hot pink peonies, fragrant roses, and cherry blossoms graced every room and table in what was surely one of the most glamorous nights at The Argyle on record. The three-course menu thoughtfully paid homage to the night’s avian theme, from the club’s favorite chicken fried quail to a decadent chocolate Faberge egg presented in a phyllo nest for dessert.
Clark Mandigo lll, Camille Mandigo, Clark Mandigo ll, Kay Mandigo, Keri and John Moses & Molly Mandigo
Christopher and Adrianna Grossman, Heather Russo, Cece Griffin, Lee Lee, Emilie and Christopher Petty & Amelita and David Mauze
JB and Corinna Richter & Jordana and Benjie Matthews
As the night progressed, Forum members and guests alike bid on silent auction items that ranged from fine jewelry by David Webb and Fannie Thomas, to premium Formula 1 tickets, mink shawls by Mackenzie Brittingham, and trips to Tuscany and Laguna Beach. Dallas-based jeweler Joe Pacetti donated jewelry to the auction as well. Undoubtedly, the night’s most precious prizes came from the five-month-old French Bulldog and three-month-old Goldendoodle puppy, both of whom made the rounds all evening with fresh floral collars.
Emilie Petty, Gloria Dilley, Claire Cavender, Triana Grossman and Bonnie Muecke
Ann Cross, Kristan Northington, Alice Welder and Margye Northington
After the party, guests returned to the whimsical tent for an after party featuring live music and late-night bites. Before flying the nest, guests left with a parting gift courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue, who generously donated their popular Nest candles to all in attendance. It was an evening to remember–and one for the record books.
The scene at the Texas Biomed 2023 gala
Table setting at the Texas Biomed 2023 gala
THE PURPOSE: This year’s event grossed over $1 million, which will help spearhead and support the groundbreaking research at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute. A special thanks goes to Batchelor Cadillac and Cavender Cadillac for their sponsorships which make such a difference.
by societytexas | Jun 29, 2022 | 2022 July August, Style, Feature One
The Order Of The Alamo Hosts The Court Of The Grand Tour Coronation
By Jake Gaines Photography by Katie Clementson, Billo Smith Photography
With a much anticipated and celebratory return to San Antonio’s beloved Fiesta events and traditions, The Order of the Alamo presented an elegant coronation of its Queen and her court, The Court of the Grand Tour, in a dazzling ceremony staged at the enchanting Majestic Theater. This year’s theme transported spectators on an epic visual adventure that paid homage to the historic Grand Tour tradition of 18th and 19th century Europe.
A rite of passage for aristocratic young men and women of England, those who embarked on a Grand Tour after their graduation would ride luxury carriages throughout Europe for three to four years on a journey to further their cultural education. The Court of the Grand Tour‘s gown and train designs were inspired by extensive research and honored several cities of the Grand Tour, as well as iconic architecture and crafts from each stop—from the Alhambra of Granada, Spain and the watches of Geneva, Switzerland to London’s Westminster Abbey and Italy’s famed glassmakers.
The Mistress of the Robes, Alicia Brusenhan, worked tirelessly alongside dressmakers to bring the elaborate vision to fruition. Under Brusenhan’s leadership, the creative team began designing the court’s 26 Queen, Princess, and Duchess dresses and robes for many months before the coronation ceremony. The Court Artists were Lisa Hanson and Francie Calgaard.
The Queen of The Court of the Grand Tour was Ian Parker Brusenhan, the Mistress of the Robes’ daughter, and was attended by Princess Marguerite Holton Stewart and 24 duchesses from San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, and beyond. The 2022 President of the Order of the Alamo was R. Webb Sellers, Jr. The Coronation Chairman was Barclay Houston, while Brett Balthrope served as Lord High Chamberlain.
by societytexas | May 1, 2022 | 2022 May June, R.S.V.P. SAN ANTONIO, Parties
Briscoe Western Art Museum Presents Annual Sale And Exhibition
By Jake Gaines Photography by Mark Humphries Photography and Sun Gold Photography
THE SETTING: Each year, the Briscoe Western Art Museum draws art enthusiasts, collectors, and visitors for an opportunity to view and purchase nearly 300 works of painting, sculpture, and mixed media from 75 of the country’s leading contemporary western artists. This year was no different as The Night of Artists event and weekend of festivities were hosted on the banks of the iconic San Antonio River Walk. Attendees were also able to enjoy panel discussions exploring the emerging western art market and trends.
THE STYLE: The wide range of artworks and artist genres reflects the vastness of the great American West. From scenic landscapes, inspired Native Americans, and classic cowboys to stunning wildlife and detailed portraiture, there is something for every attendee and art enthusiast to enjoy. Some of the featured artists included Martin Grelle, George Hallmark, Z.S. Liang, Kenny McKenna, Jan Mapes, Don Oelze, Gladys Rolden de Moras, Paul Rhymer, Stefan Savides, Billy Schenck, Michael Ome Untiedt, Kim Wiggins, and Xiang Zhang.
The opening weekend included a Collectors Summit panel discussion, a VIP preview and a live auction on Friday. The live auction drew art sales of more than $551,000. Then, on Saturday, the fun continued with the Collectors Summit, a trunk show with Clint Orms, the Artists Awards Luncheon, and the opening of the Night of Artists Exhibition and “Luck of the Draw” sale. Delicious food stations, libations, and live music under the stars rounded out the night. The museum’s public exhibition continued with all unsold artwork available for purchase.
THE PURPOSE: The Night of Artists is the largest fundraiser for the Briscoe Western Art Museum, and this year raised $1.9 million, with the proceeds benefitting the museum. The Briscoe Western Art Museum is a collections-based institution building upon art and artifacts that tell the vast and multifaceted story of the American West.
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by societytexas | May 1, 2022 | 2022 May June, R.S.V.P. SAN ANTONIO, Parties
McNay Art Museum Gala Dining With The Masters Returns After Two-Year Hiatus
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by David Sixt Photography
THE SETTING: The McNay Art Museum’s gala, Dining with the Masters: Georgia O’Keeffe and American Modernism welcomed 200 friends and supporters returning to the museum for a gala after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
The elegant evening unveiled an exclusive preview of Georgia O’Keeffe and American Modernism, a focus exhibition that brings together masterpieces from the McNay’s collection–including Evening Star No. 5 and From the Plains I–with key loans from the Whitney Museum of American Art and sister institutions within and beyond Texas. The exhibition is the first substantial presentation of O’Keeffe’s work at the McNay since the landmark O’Keeffe and Texas in 1998. The masterful exhibit featuring artworks by O’Keeffe’s contemporaries, including Marsden Hartley, Yasuo Kuniyoshi, and Helen Torr, presents an innovative, inclusive celebration befitting the first modern art museum in Texas.
THE STYLE: The Leeper Auditorium was stunning with the color palette looking as if it came directly from an O’Keeffe painting. David Garcia and his team from Statue of Design created stunning centerpieces and floral chandeliers that floated above guest’s tables. Don Strange of Texas treated guests to a sumptuous dinner. Many of the recipes for the evening came directly from Georgia O’Keeffe’s kitchen, including the pecan butterball cookies, which were given to guests as they departed. After dinner, guests made their way to the AT&T Lobby for dessert and music by DJ Despeinada.
THE PURPOSE: The mother and daughter duo, Betty Lou Sheerin and Kate Sheerin, chaired the gala, the museum’s largest annual fundraiser. The title sponsors were Neiman Marcus San Antonio and Valero. Proceeds from the gala benefit the McNay’s education, exhibition, and conservation programs, enabling the museum to continue its mission of engaging a diverse community in the discovery and enjoyment of the visual arts.
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by societytexas | May 1, 2022 | R.S.V.P. SAN ANTONIO, 2022 May June, Parties
San Antonio Gardenia Club Luncheon Celebrates Fashion And Fine Arts
By Jake Gaines Photography by Jenna-Beth Lyde
THE SETTING: Recently, at the Argyle Club, a glorious luncheon and style show unfolded on a sunny afternoon celebrating a Splendour On The Lawn theme. The event’s top-tier table attendees were initially welcomed at a VIP pre-party in the Champagne Room to kick off the afternoon of fun ahead.
THE STYLE: Attendees mingled in anticipation of the main event, the annual fashion show, a sensational runway of this season’s best fashions. Presented by Julian Gold and produced by Emily McMichael of R World Productions, the summery styles presented something for everyone, from pretty sundresses to resort wear and beyond. Serving as event emcee was past Gardenia Club President Siobhain Buckley, while the 2020-2022 Gardenia Club President Laura Humphries offered the group’s appreciation to its members, volunteers, and guests. The event-goers applauded a special performance by Melissa Gonzalez, representing The Woodlawn Theater & Woodlawn Academy. Also, a fine arts recognition donation was made to the Ballet Conservatory of South Texas on behalf of the Gardenia Club.
THE PURPOSE: The event was co-chaired by Sharron Batchelor and Christi Tidwell, who announced the fortunate silent auction and door prizes winners. The San Antonio Gardenia Club was founded in 1960 with the mission of providing fine arts scholarships to students within the San Antonio area. The club also participates in the annual Fiesta Battle of Flowers, Texas Cavaliers River Parade, and the Annual Holiday Parade.
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