The Houston Center for Contemporary Craft hosted some 200 attendees on Thursday night for its seventh annual Martini Madness! Bossa Nova Bash, chaired by Paula Arnold and Ted Pinson.
Upon entering the Museum District venue, guests – many of whom dressed in mid-century cocktail attire for the occasion – carefully selected their stemware for the evening from a stunning display of handmade martini glasses (which also doubled as keepsake party favors). With an array of cocktail options up for grabs, such as Lemon Drops, Ipanemas and classic martinis, the Deep Eddy vodka bar quickly became the venue’s most popular attraction. Live Latin jazz by Trio Forte also wafted through the space, as did Green House Catering’s buffet of Italian fare including garlic meatballs, farro salad and prosciutto-wrapped dates.
Meanwhile, honorary chair Chuck Powell – who was persuaded by his daughter, a former HCCC employee, to get involved – floated from table to table, reminding guests that supporting local artists was the real reason for the soiree. He drove his point home by escorting patrons over to Delaney Smith, last year’s artist-in-residence, who was manning the auction board.
“This center brings artists from all over to Houston,” Smith said. “The funding from this event feeds directly into the center and the craft community, pushing the boundaries of craft.”
Spotted in the crowd: Betsy and Chuck Powell, Sara Morgan, Karina and Carlos Barbieri, Victoria andMarshal Lightman, Bobbie and John Nau, Minnette and Peter Boesel, Anne Lamkin Kinder, Phyllis Childress, Carla Cotropia and Tom Edens, Kara and Ulises Vidal, and Lisa and Michael Pearson.
