Happenstance Theater Scores in Capital Fringe Festival
• August 10, 2011

Back by popular demand, Happenstance Theater presented Manifesto! to rave reviews in this year’s Capital Fringe Festival. The setting is the surrealist Cabaret ReVoltaire where the guests are visionaries. The text is taken from real manifestos penned by Dadaists, Communists and Capitalists in the aftermath of World War I. The words are spoken by the frequenters of a cabaret run by clowns played by Happenstance’s Artistic Director Mark Jaster, his daughter Emma Jaster, Artistic Co-Director and Manager Sabrina Mandell, Gwen Grastorf, Karen Hansen and Matt Pearson. This professional company devises and produces original performer-created visual, poetic theatre that thoroughly engages the audience. [gallery ids="100247,106699,106707,106704" nav="thumbs"]

Finnish Fond Farewell
• August 4, 2011

Ambassador of Finland Pekka Lintu and Mrs. Laurel Colless hosted a farewell reception at the embassy on June 27 as they prepare for their upcoming posting to Greece. In his welcoming remarks, the Ambassador thanked guests for coming “to wave us goodbye.” The popular couple has been in Washington for over five years during which time their daughter Julia was born. He hailed the “willingness of the American people to engage themselves” and spoke of their “friendliness and openness.” He also recognized the strong support of the embassy staff and of his talented wife “who seems to know everybody.” Mrs. Colless spoke of their pride in the “green” embassy, the first in the United States to receive the prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Guests departed with an art book chronicling the embassy’s design and numerous events. [gallery ids="100233,106514,106535,106531,106527,106523,106519" nav="thumbs"]

RAMMY’s “Carnevale da Cuisine”
• July 26, 2011

The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington’s 29th annual gala took place June 26 at the Marriott Wardman Park. Masks were encouraged to reflect the theme of the D.C. restaurant scene as a veritable carnival feast. The event unites the entire restaurant industry for a fabulous evening that began with a reception featuring Virginia products followed by a 16-category awards ceremony. RAMW President Lynne Breaux and Gala Committee Chair Kristin Rohr of Guest Services, Inc. bid everyone welcome to “the best party of the year because you know how to party.” World renowned innovator José Andrés received the Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award. The ceremony culminated with the Chef of the Year Award bestowed upon Todd Gray of Equinox, who accepted alongside his beaming young son to a standing ovation. An overspill crowd proceeded to a resplendent feast that included the cuisines of Australia, Chile and Mexico before dancing the night away. [gallery ids="102568,102569,102570,102571,102572,102573,102574" nav="thumbs"]

Mexico Salutes “Pati’s Mexican Table”
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On Mar. 30, Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan proudly introduced Mexico’s newest culinary star Patricia Jinich as the “culinary ambassador to the United States” at a cocktail reception at the Mexican Cultural Center prior to the launch of “Pati’s Mexican Table” which aired on WETA TV 26 on Apr. 2. It happened to be the chef’s birthday which was duly applauded. The ambassador quoted the Washington Post’s comment that Pati is “a walking antidepressant.” Her charm is indeed infectious as the celebrity chef spoke of the Mexican Cultural Center as “”my home away from home.” [gallery ids="102554,120005,119988,119993,119999" nav="thumbs"]

Sitar Arts Center Celebrates Its Students’ Work at the Corcoran Gallery of Art
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On Apr. 6, the Sitar Arts Center in Adams Morgan, a multidisciplinary arts education haven for children and youth predominantly from low-income households in Washington, DC, hosted is annual celebration and benefit at The Corcoran Gallery of Art. Mexican Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan and Veronica Valencia-Sarukhan were honorary diplomatic hosts. The event began with cocktails and Mexican inspired fare from Occasions Caterers followed by a student showcase and program honoring artist Ruben Toledo and his wife, fashion designer Isabel, who created First Lady Michelle Obama’s inaugural outfit. One young participant called Sitar “a place where I trust everyone.” Sitar uses arts for “healthy human connections.” The evening concluded with a dessert reception and silent auction. [gallery ids="102512,120149,120137,120154,120143" nav="thumbs"]

Prevention of Blindness Society Celebrates 75 Years at Night of Vision
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The Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington (POB) celebrated 75 years of sight-saving services and community programs at its annual Night of Vision charity gala on Mar. 26 at the Four Seasons Hotel. POB is dedicated to the improvement and preservation of sight by providing services, education, advocacy and innovation. The Society also hailed the opening of its new Low Vision Learning Center in Alexandria. For decades, POB has partnered with numerous local organizations to bring eye health information to the community. Event Chair Gloria Boland received POB’s Appreciation Award and the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Twelve of the 24 past recipients of the Professional Service Award attended the gala. [gallery ids="99635,105224,105245,105241,105229,105237,105233" nav="thumbs"]

Meet the Artists Event at the National Museum of Women in the Arts
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President of the Women’s Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) Cyd Everett presented a special program on Mar. 14, “Meet the Artists” followed by luncheon at the museum. Korean-born abstract artist Su Kwak discussed her painting “Evening Light” on double canvas reflecting a metaphoric message of personal and spiritual healing. Clarissa Bonde followed as an internationally exhibited botanical watercolor artist who continues to study and expand. Attendees mourned the recent loss of the intended third exhibitor, Lisa Pumphrey Turner, whose triptych on permanent exhibit was displayed. With family members in attendance, she was movingly remembered for her many qualities by incoming Women’s Committee President Fran Luessenhop. [gallery ids="99211,103480,103469,103477,103474" nav="thumbs"]

The Ralls Collection Celebrates 20 Years, 20 Artists
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On Mar. 18 Marsha Ralls celebrated 20 years and 20 artists at her Georgetown gallery. John Blee’s Orchard Mist graced the invitation as Marsha welcomed guests to a “milestone celebration…of embracing the world of art; through it educating, inspiring, and beautifying the world.” Marsha fondly remembered Robert Rauschenberg, a mentor and friend, whom she represented. Works by William Dunlap, Patrick LoCicero, and Caio Fonseca among others will be on view through May 28. [gallery ids="99212,103490,103479,103486,103483" nav="thumbs"]

Scavenger Hunt
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Rebecca Klemm purchased a Georgetown scavenger hunt for 30 happy hunters as an auction item at the 2009 Citizens Association of Georgetown Gala held at the Russian Embassy. The hunt was the brainchild of Colleen and John Girourard, Constance Chatfield-Taylor, Florence Auld, Jackie Pletcher and Charlie Eisen. On Nov. 19, Rebecca welcomed her guests to a “spirited” reception on P Street where they were divided into five teams and given instructions to unveil Georgetown’s hidden mysteries before reconvening at the Girourard’s home on 34th Street to enjoy a fabulous repast for their efforts. Clues took them on a merry chase that included The Georgetown Inn, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Georgetown Cupcake, The Tombs, 1789, Georgetown Club and the infamous Exorcist stairs. After the points were tallied, Rebecca’s team led the pack. [gallery ids="99570,104841,104839" nav="thumbs"]

YMCA National Capital’s Spring Luncheon
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The YMCA held its spring luncheon on Apr 2 at Café Milano. Gwendolyn Russell welcomed guests. Executive Director Norris Woods spoke of “inclusiveness, equality and mutual respect for all.” In hailing the success of helping just one person, Tyrone Moore told of a young man who went from not being able to read to graduating from the Lab School and running aquatics programs in DC. Aaron Payne joined the YMCA at age six and is now a “paying customer.” In delivering the invocation, co-chair Marsha Nelms Muawaad said “it’s in the way that we guide our youth that we guide our future.” In addition, luncheon was delicious. [gallery ids="102511,120153,120145,120155" nav="thumbs"]