‘The Bond’: Book Signing at A Mano
• June 8, 2012

Adam Mahr, Kristin Manion and David Ochsman hosted Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States at Mahr’s A Mano on Book Hill for a reception and book signing on May 9. Pacelle’s new book “The Bond” reminds us that animals are at the center of our lives. He spoke of his lifelong dedication to animal protection, noting that there are “more pets than people in American homes.” He said that he did not want “to be a bystander to cruelty to animals” and emphasized human responsibility. He termed the HSUS “a measure of our humanity.” [gallery ids="100808,124644,124615,124637,124624,124633" nav="thumbs"]

Smithsonian Craft Show Celebrates America’s Creative Spirit
• May 17, 2012

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Smithsonian Craft Show Celebrating the Creative Spirit of America which will take place April 19 through 22, with a preview benefit on April18 at the National Building Museum. First Lady Michelle Obama has agreed to be the honorary chair of what is widely regarded as the country’s most prestigious juried show and sale of fine American craft.

On April 19, Michel Monroe, former curator-in-charge of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery, will present an illustrated lecture, “The White House Collection of American Crafts,” featuring the collection of contemporary American crafts he curated for the Clintons in the White House. On Sunday, “The Craftful Table,” a panel discussion with leading designers on creating a table that is a feast for the senses will be followed by White House florist Laura Dowling’s demonstration of gracing the table with flowers.

One-of-a-kind or limited edition works in 12 different media—from furniture and ceramics to glass and wearable art—will showcase the work of 121 distinguished craft artists, 44 new to the show this year. In addition, students from the Savannah College of Art and Design will present their innovative work in a special exhibition of emerging artists.

The Craft Show is even going green. This is the first year of a “Repurposed Materials” award. Artists have been asked to include in their artist statements the use of repurposed materials, including found objects given new uses and meanings.

An online auction, running April 11 through 25, will feature more than 100 exceptional craft objects generously donated by current and past exhibitors and other talented artists, as well as a limited number of tickets for local attractions and special tours. Visit SmithsonianAuctions.org

Anne-lise Auclair-Jones and Ann Peel are Craft Show co-chairs. Wendy Somerville Wall is president of the Smithsonian Women’s Committee which produces the annual event to support education, outreach and research at the Smithsonian Institution through an annual competitive grants program. More than $9 million has been awarded since 1966.

For additional information, see www.SmithsonianCraftShow.org [gallery ids="100736,121499,121474,121493,121481,121489" nav="thumbs"]

Alice (in Wonderland) Enchants
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Down the rabbit hole took on new meaning with the pirouetting enchantress Maki Onuki as Alice, a slinky Red Queen, seductive Cheshire Cat, aerial bicycling Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee, elegant white rabbit, beguiling piglets and hedgehogs and every possible imaginative detail as Septime Webre debuted his take on Alice at the Kennedy Center on Apr. 12. The after party at the Oriental Mandarin was a true love fest as Webre acknowledged his creative team, front and foremost composer Mathew Pierce, Cirque du Soleil costumer Liz Vanda, set designer James Kronzer and puppet maker Eric J.VanWyk. [gallery ids="100744,121648,121641,121663,121633,121668,121626,121675,121681,121655" nav="thumbs"]

Judith Terra Champions the National Women’s History Museum
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Joan Bradley Wages, president and CEO of the National Women’s History Museum, which hopes to locate on the National Mall, celebrated women’s history at the home of D.C. Commission on Arts & Humanities chair Judith Terra, on Apr. 3. Guests included several ambassadors, reporter Eleanor Clift and Pamela Gordon-Banks, first woman premier of Bermuda and Judith’s daughter-in-law. Guest speaker Jane Harman, president, CEO and executive director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, promised, “We will get the museum built . . . just can’t promise when!” [gallery ids="102442,121364" nav="thumbs"]

A Taste of Iceland at Ris
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On Apr. 11, Ris restaurant hosted a media sneak peek of a multi-day event celebrating Iceland and its cuisine, spearheaded by award-winning chef Thrainn Fryr. Newly appointed Ambassador Gudmundur A. Stefansson quipped that, following an economic setback, Iceland was “getting out of the woods.” He went on to share that it was no surprise as Iceland has no woods. Ris featured a menu that included a “Reykjavik 101” cocktail that no doubt inspired the imbibers to hop on Icelandair for a dip in the geothermal Blue Lagoon. [gallery ids="100743,121628,121599,121623,121609,121617" nav="thumbs"]

Nectar Skin Bar’s Stylish Debut
• May 3, 2012

Amy and Brian Thomas held a cocktail reception on July 12 to introduce their new Georgetown beauty emporium. Guests toured the two-floor “beauty and body retreat” and enjoyed canapés and cocktails by DC Taste in the landscaped garden. The first floor features rarely found product lines such as Becca Cosmetics, Butter London and GlamGlow. The second-floor offers top European and Asian spa treatments including Intraceuticals Oxygen Infusion facials, exclusive LashDip mascara treatments and Softsense gentle waxing from Italy. Interior designer William McGovern terms his design concept “nostalgic modern glamour,” in other words, stunning. The Thomases intend to expand in the Washington area in the next two years and then bring their luxury treatments to cities in Texas. [gallery ids="102537,120090,120100,120096,120081" nav="thumbs"]

Constellation Stage Design Preview of Ramayana
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Oklahoma is not the only play enjoying a return visit this season. Constellation Theatre Company is bringing back Ramayana based on Indian mythology, which played to sold out houses at Source last year. The production, which will open a three-week run on Aug. 4, will reassemble half the cast and have the welcome addition of Matthew McGloin, who charmed in On the Razzle, playing the monkey Hanuman. On July 11, Constellation’s Artistic Director Allison Stockman presided over a design presentation introducing new and old members of the ensemble and showcasing Kendra Rai’s stunning costumes and two-time Helen Hayes Award winner Tom Teasley’s onstage music. Guests then mingled at a wine and cheese reception. [gallery ids="100243,106660,106656,106639,106652,106648,106644" nav="thumbs"]

Raising a Glass for Rescue
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On July 17, supporters of the Washington Animal Rescue League (WARL) raised their glasses as Board Chair Roger Marmet hosted a wine tasting at his Ripple Restaurant & Wine Bar in Cleveland Park. Proceeds from the event featuring delicious vegetarian and vegan hors d’oeuvres with wines from dog friendly vineyards will support the League’s Disaster Rescue Fund. WARL President and CEO Gary Weitzman expressed his appreciation and urged everyone to visit the League. The recently acquired 42,000-square-foot property adjacent to the current shelter will more than double the existing facility. The League’s goal through a capital campaign is to open the National Center for Rehabilitation for Animals to coincide with its centennial in 2014 in pursuit of its commitment for the “rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of animals who have nowhere else to go.” [gallery ids="100245,106669,106678,106664,106682,106659,106686,106690,106654,106674" nav="thumbs"]

Spa-Tini Treatment Reception at Morton’s
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Beating Washington’s killer heat was made easier on Aug. 4 as enthusiastic guests flocked to Morton’s in Georgetown where they enjoyed “Spa-Tinis” that included “Lean and Green” and “Skynny Blood Orange Cosmos,” each with less than 200 calories accompanied by signature hors d’oeuvres. Nectar Skin Bar and Aveda offered pampering. Lucky raffle winners received gift certificates to Georgetown spas and dinner for two at Morton’s. [gallery ids="102538,120059,120044,120050,120080,120093,120086,120074,120066" nav="thumbs"]

Children Uniting Nations
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Children Uniting Nations (CUN) is a proactive organization created to bring attention to the plight of at-risk and foster youth. Children in foster care receive role-model support, guidance, a sense of community and awareness of the importance of education. In conjunction with CUN’s Fifth Annual Conference in support of foster youth mentorship gains in Washington on July 20, Lani Hay, Christine Warnke and Greg Houston hosted a private dinner at Neyla. CUN founder Daphna Ziman said, “our children are our future. We are simply the gatekeepers.” Jermaine and Randy Jackson have lent their support to the program in honor of Michael. At the following evening’s gala in the J. W. Marriott ballroom, Randy said, “we had parents who told us our dreams could come true.” Jermaine charmed the room with his rendition of “Smile,” Michael’s favorite song. Daphna thanked him, remarking, “there were moments that I heard Michael. You are continuing the dream.” — Mary Bird [gallery ids="99321,99322,99323,99324,99325" nav="thumbs"]