Tunisia Celebrates First Anniversary of Arab Spring
• May 3, 2012

The first anniversary of the Tunisian Revolution and Arab Spring was celebrated at the Kennedy Center on Jan. 9 with the performance of Hannibal Barca, the symphony composed by former interim Tunisian Minister of Finance Jaloul Ayed. The historic gala evening brought together the new leaders of democratic Tunisia, dignitaries from throughout the Middle East and North Africa, American and multilateral officials, and business and finance leaders for a truly heartwarming event. Ann Stock spoke on behalf of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The former minister equated the courage of the young Hannibal so many centuries ago to that of the young Tunisian vegetable vendor who by his self-immolation lit the spark that started the “Arab awakening.” Twenty-five Tunisian musicians joined members of the Washington orchestra. It was an extremely uplifting ceremony of which Tunisians can be justly proud.

GBA Greets 2012
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No “official” business was conducted Jan. 18, as members of the Georgetown Business Association mingled at the historic George Town Club. Guests enjoyed substantive hors d’oeuvres, libations and good company which could only lead to the best of connections. [gallery ids="100476,116561,116501,116553,116512,116546,116521,116540,116530" nav="thumbs"]

Memorializing Maverick Artist and Mentor Manon Cleary
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Guests were greeted by a bagpiper as they arrived at The Arts Club of Washington on Jan. 20 to celebrate the life of art scene icon Manon Cleary. Manon’s husband F. Steven Kijek encouraged everyone gathered in the Monroe Gallery to “dig deep in your hearts for memories and speak.” When they met, Manon was active on the social scene and Steven recalled voicing some hesitation en route to an embassy reception, to which Manon replied “we don’t need social standing. We’re artists, they want us.” Manon’s twin Shirley Cleary-Cooper recalled their St. Louis childhood when they dressed alike and replied to “twin.” Jean Lawlor Cohen spoke of the irony of Manon’s fondness for sfumato or smoky light portraits given her long illness precipitated by chemical poisoning and too many cigarettes. Other speakers recalled her conviction that an artist must support the art world. Arts Club President Jack Hannula read his poem “Ode to Manon Cleary.” A caregiver said “she lived inside her private life like outside.” A mentored art student recalled her present of a book inscribed to him as “my window on the future.” The tribute ended with a slide presentation honoring a “friend, wife, sister, teacher, artist.” The ensuing reception was alive with memories. Manon and her beloved white rats were present in spirit. [gallery ids="100477,116570,116548,116564,116557" nav="thumbs"]

Cultural Tourism D.C. Inaugural Conference
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Cultural Tourism D.C. hosted its inaugural conference entitled “Arts, Culture, and Tourism: Strategies for Success,” Jan. 26. The event included four productive workshops focusing on communications, customer service, social media and fundraising. Johnetta Betsch Cole, director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, delivered the keynote address highlighting the museum’s efforts to think outside of the box and market to a younger generation through the use of technology. Cultural Tourism D.C.’s annual meeting followed the conference focusing on 2011’s accomplishments. The Fourth Embassy Chef’s Challenge, which will be held at the Reagan Building on Mar. 8, was all the talk at the evening’s networking reception at Nage in the Courtyard Marriott. The annual fundraising event is a friendly competition among embassy chefs, which features international tastings, awards, entertainment and a world-class silent auction.
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Chinese New Year Banquet at Hollywood East Café
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Les Dames d’Escoffier, a unique worldwide philanthropic society of professional women leaders in the fields of food, fine beverage and hospitality, returned to Janet Wu’s definitely “worth a detour” Hollywood East Café in the Westfield Wheaton Shopping Center to celebrate Chinese New Year in grand fashion. This year’s eager crowd crammed the popular eatery, which prepared a seemingly unending traditional banquet with virtually every course bringing the promise of good luck. Imbibers had the additional pleasure of wines selected by Janet Cam, who is renowned for creating innovative wine lists which pair perfectly with the restaurant’s cuisine. Lion dancers provided wonderful entertainment. [gallery ids="102433,121522,121496,121508,121503,121515" nav="thumbs"]

Washington Performing Arts Society Reception
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Disappointment that mezzo-soprano Susan Graham had a last-minute cancellation of her afternoon Kennedy Center Washington Performing Arts Society concert Feb. 4 was softened when Bonnie McElveen-Hunter informed Daren Thomas, WPAS’s director of leadership and institutional gifts, that the post-performance cocktail reception at her stunning Georgetown residence was “always on.” When Thomas presented her with a bouquet, she quipped, “Am I the entertainer?” As a former ambassador to Finland and chairman of the American Red Cross, she said her humanitarian commitment had led her to realize that “the arts lift us up.” She thanked WPAS president and CEO Neale Perl for his leadership in expressing the “generosity of spirit through music.” He, in turn, said that over his ten years with the WPAS, despite cancellations, “Our track record is very good” and urged everyone to hold onto their tickets because “Susan Graham will be back.” Guests listened raptly to Samantha McElhaney, who sang her signature roles from “Porgy and Bess,” concluding with a cherished spiritual. The hostess invited guests to explore her wonderful home and welcomed Ambassador of Finland Ritva Koukku-Ronde. [gallery ids="100486,117350,117317,117343,117324,117337,117332" nav="thumbs"]

Latino Student Fund Gala
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Ambassador of Costa Rica Muni Figueres, the honorary patron at the Latino Student Fund’s 12th Annual Gala at the Organization of American States, lauded the fund on March 14 as a fantastic vehicle for the vindication of the Latin spirit. This year’s theme “Color Caribe” highlighted Costa Rica with its Latin music, cocktails and food. Festivities benefitted the LSF’s mission to provide academic opportunities for students of Hispanic/Latino descent from pre-Kindergarten to 12th grade and to promote higher education and professional leadership. [gallery ids="100626,100627,100628,100629,100630,100631,100632,100633" nav="thumbs"]

A Toast to Pierre L’Enfant at Dumbarton House
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In 1791, Pierre-Charles L’Enfant arrived in Georgetown on the evening of March 9 to begin work on the soon-to be nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. The Mayor of Georgetown had not gotten the memo, and L’Enfant felt less than welcomed and complained to Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson. In recent decades, Washingtonians have been making up for that with an ongoing annual “Welcome, Pierre!” reception. Friends and history lovers raised a toast the city’s designer March 9 at Dumbarton House, headquarters for The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America.

Bonhams Previews Asia Week at Its Georgetown Salon
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In tune with D.C.’s cherry blossoms, Bonhams Auctioneers and Appraisers held a preview of some of the art, ranging from Japan and China to Southeast Asia, being shown at Asia Week in New York at its Washington office on M Street in Georgetown March 8. Martin Gammon, who heads up the D.C. and Mid-Atlantic division, welcomed art lovers and a few Sackler Gallery trustees to the first highlights preview and reception at his Bonhams office. [gallery ids="100634,100635" nav="thumbs"]

AFAC Benefit Reception
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Arlington Food Assistance Center’s 2012 Benefit Reception focused on raising support for their Annual Fund while celebrating the successful conclusion of AFAC’s Permanent Home Campaign. The goal for this year’s gala was $135,000, and the funds raised at this event will allow AFAC to continue meeting the growing demand for food assistance in Arlington. Photos by Aaro Keipi, (http://www.aarograph.com)[www.aarography.com] [gallery ids="100608,100609,100610,100611,100612" nav="thumbs"]