That little ol’ college art museum is all grown up. The Blanton Museum of Art threw a 50th anniversary gala on Saturday while unveiling “Through the Eyes of Texas: Masterworks from Alumni Collections.”
Designer Mehgan McKinney and model Morgan Davis at the Blanton Gala
Not only did the building look great, but it was filled with dressy folks from Austin, Dallas, Houston and beyond. They gaped at the range of art from ancient to avant-garde spread out over two floors. Later, they trooped over to the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum for a grand dinner.
We spent time discussing past Austin mayors with State Sen. Kirk Watson, career courses with Texas Monthly publisher Elynn J. Russell, the state of the collection with Blanton director Simone Wicha, shifts in retail trends with Neiman Marcus’ Nancy Nichols, collecting strategy with Jeanne Klein, up-and-coming nonprofit talent with Eugene Sepulveda and Steven Tomlinson, profile possibilities with banker/benefactor Eddie Safady, and so forth.
From there, it was a quick stroll to the Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol for the Town Lake Links Mardis Gras.
Coi Burress, Revlynn Lawson and Simone Burress at the Links Town Lake Mardis Gras
Here I was immediately adopted by consultant Revlynn Lawson and celebrity chef Coi Burress who introduced me to her sister, Simone Burress, now stationed at Larry McGuire’s Josephine House (next door to Jeffrey’s).
We reveled in the incredible bargains snatched by guests during the live auction, charmingly managed by Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo and pro auctioneer Victoria Gutierrez. We also chatted about longtime Links member Mary Louise Adams, whom I’m interviewing this week. Hope to find out ever more about this social group originally founded by African American businesswomen.
My tux must have looked a bit out of place as I worked my way down Red River Street, over East Sixth Street and down to the Four Seasons Hotel (I try to own whatever look ends up on me).
Victoria Corcoran Neal and Lyda Creus Molanphy at Hollywood and Casino Night
My guide for the Capital Area Dental Foundation’s sprawling Hollywood and Casino Night Gala was nonprofit consultant Victoria Corcoran Neal, who introduced me to party instigators Lyda Creus Molanphy and Dr. Alan Moore. Both gave me insights into the social world of dentists.
They certainly like to gamble. Or at least, faux gamble at the charitable tables that spilled out of a banquet room and into lobbies.This group is clearly doing good work with education and donated dental services. And they know how to have a little fun on a February weekend.