Amidst the golden light of a Houston sunset in a lit-up pavilion/garden space, art lovers gathered for a one-of-a-kind fundraiser, boosting a staple of the Houston arts world.
Cocktails in the Courtyard, a new fall soirée, benefited University of Houston’s Blaffer Art Museum. The glamorous night brought out more than 220 people — artists, philanthropists, connoisseurs and community members — to the UH Arts District. The evening unfolded across the Louise J. Moran Courtyard, the newly finished Wilhelmina’s Grove and the Blaffer Art Museum, where everyone took in two important exhibitions on view from artists Adriana Corral and Maria Gaspar.
Chaired by power trio of Blaffer heir Kaleta Blaffer Johnson alongside Ben Ackerley and Sebastian Keitel, and sponsored by patroness/collector Judy Nyquist, the night raised more than $140,000 to support the museum’s topical exhibitions and programs.
Everyone dined on appetizers from Cafe Natalie, and signature cocktails kept them refreshed in the lingering summer heat. The luscious blooms in the garden space were supplied by Abbie Mae Florals. Music from Bayou City Funk and DJ Good Grief kept the energy flowing.
Blaffer’s artist-focused auction took a unique approach. Instead of physical art works, attendees bid on curated experiences and events, the proceeds of which directly supported the artists. Highlights include a studio visit with artists Cindee Klement and Terrell James, a staycation at Hotel Daphne, a one-of-a-kind Tiny Desk concert experience with Gracie Chavez, a photographic portrait session with Houston artist Emily Peacock, a cool after-dark Galveston tour led by Nick Barbee, a studio visit in Splendora with iconic Texas sculptor James Surls, and a chance to acquire a fine art photo by Kaitlin Saragusa, who came in from Dallas for the evening.
Such an effort reaffirms Blaffer as a museum that supports artists and constantly looks for ways to give back and highlight the remarkable talents that define Texas’ arts scene. Houston staples such as Ceron Hair Studio, Drake’s Hollywood, and Tootsies also donated items and experiences for the auction.
Artistry was found not only in the exhibitions on view, but also in the fashion of the stylish attendees.
Blaffer director Dr. Laura Augusta stood out in a monochromatic hunter green outfit, perfectly matching the greenery of the courtyard. Exclusive fashion sponsor Amanda Uprichard was in attendance, alongside members of her New York City-based team. Kaleta Blaffer Johnson was the epitome of end-of-summer glamour in an Oscar de la Renta frock from Tootsies, complemented by her choice of jewels from SAMAA Diamonds’ stunning Le Papillon collection.
Celebrations continued later into the evening at the recently Michelin Key-bestowed Hotel Daphne, located in The Heights, a hotel developed by the Ackerley family and co-owned by Ben Ackerley, one of the evening’s chairs.
PC Seen: Art world royals Abigail Owen-Pontez and John Blaffer Royall, collectors Mary and Bernie Arocha with daughter Lauren Arocha, Jeanne Jones, Margaret O’Brien-Nelson, Whitney Kuhn-Lawson, Lauren Paine, Bryant Phelan, Morgan Pieper, Ashley Zachem, Jesse Coors-Blankenship, Ceron, Tarek El-Bjeirmi, Zinat Ahmed, Heather Almond, Disney Harris, Natalie and Lukas Hamilton Eddy, joined by a flock of Houston artists/creatives in Francesca Fuchs, Michael Golden, Cindee Klement, Tudor Mitroi, Mitch Pengra and Doug Welsh, and Sallie and Nick Barbee.
Currently on view at Blaffer Art Museum is “We Press Our Hands to the Steel Curtain” by Maria Gaspar, which runs through Saturday, November 21 and “As Long As Life Endures” by Adriana Corral, which shows through Saturday, December 5. Learn more here.
Additional reporting for this story came from Catherine D. Anspon.
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