Social Scene

Robert Devaney • May 10, 2013

Georgetown’s latest hotel — The Graham — opened to the public May 3, after a series of top-drawer opening receptions. The 57-room boutique hotel boasts the only rooftop lounge — the 3,000 square-foot Observatory — in Georgetown that is open to the public. The hotel named its signature restaurant A.G.B. After all, Georgetown is the neighborhood where inventor Alexander Graham Bell once called home. The Volta Bureau, the non-profit he founded, is on 35th Street. Generating lots of favorable buzz, the Graham’s rooftop Observatory lounge has already gotten on a Forbes list of rooftops to check out.
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Mary Bird • May 7, 2013

Among the numerous events which they hosted to celebrate the investiture of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, Ambassador Rudolph Bekink and Mrs. Gabrielle de Kuyper Sheshunoff Bekink hosted a press open house and luncheon at their residence on Apr. 30. The breathtaking arrangements of over 5,000 flowers flown from the Netherlands were elegantly styled by designer David Kurio of Austin, Texas. Guests heard journalist and author Charles Groenhuijsen speak on the role of the monarchy in the Netherlands, stressing that the Dutch monarchy “is not static” and proudly stating that “today is Holland at its best.” In October, The Phillips Collection will open the exhibit Van Gogh Repetitions, which will travel to the Cleveland Museum of Art in March 2014. [gallery ids="101278,149275,149270" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird • May 6, 2013

“Building New Visions” was the theme of the Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington’s March 2 gala at the Four Seasons Hotel. Mayor Vincent Gray issued a proclamation naming the date “Better Vision Day.” Stacey Chan of CNN Newsource emceed. The DC Fire & Emergency Medical Service Honor Guard trooped the colors. Georgetown Cupcake received the Community Service Award and Dr. Maxwell Helfgott accepted the Professional Service award saying, “Thank you for helping the city to see.” Live auction items included the opportunity for six people to participate in “the majesty and mess” of the cupcake making process at Georgetown Cupcake. Bob Jenets Upfront provided the very danceable music. [gallery ids="101202,143873,143868,143857,143864" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner • May 1, 2013

The annual Patron’s Party for the Georgetown House Tour was held April 24 at the home of Tom Anderson and Marc Schappell with House Tour chair emerita 97-year-old Frida Burling holding court in the sitting room. A delightful evening added to the easy grace of the party and happy, talkative crowd at the historic P Street home. Anderson, Schappell, their home and the house tour make up the latest Georgetowner cover story, now also a town tradition. Past Georgetowner cover stories on the house tour and patrons’ party include some of the first ones, Kitty Kelley, Ben Bradlee and Sally Quinn. The Georgetown House Tour is on Saturday, April 27. [gallery ids="101269,148045,148023,148040,148030,148036" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

Washington honored its thriving theatre community at the 29th Annual Helen Hayes Awards at the Warner Theatre on Apr. 8. Actress Ellen Burstyn, the first woman elected president of Actors Equity Association, accepted the Helen Hayes Tribute, sponsored by the late beloved Jaylee Mead to the AEA. Capital Fringe and Dizzy Miss Lizzie’s Roadside Review received special awards. Metro Stage’s Jacques Brel garnered several awards as did Imagination Stage and the Washington Ballet for their collaboration on The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe. Folger Theatre’s Taming of the Shrew took the evening’s final award for Outstanding Resident Play. Following the presentations everyone proceeded to the JW Marriott Hotel to “party hearty.” [gallery ids="101252,147574,147566,147560,147554,147587,147593,147547,147598,147603,147580" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner • April 25, 2013

The Corcoran Gallery hosted its 58th annual black tie ball on Saturday, April 19. The ball provides scholarships for the Corcoran College of Art, underwrites the Corcoran’s award-winning community outreach and funds education programs throughout the metropolitan area.
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Nico Dodd • April 24, 2013

Each year, the Smithsonian Craft Show provides the opportunity for discerning shoppers and craft-lovers to indulge their senses among many artisans. The annual event is run by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee, which works to provide financial assistance to support Smithsonian Projects. This year’s show will be open from Thursday, April 25, through Sunday, April 28.

Shoppers will be able to shop from artisans practicing in a wide range of mediums, including ceramics, jewelry, furniture, clothing, glass, textiles and wood. Many pieces are one of a kind.

Attendees of the Preview Night Benefit, Wednesday, April 24, will be able to have a chance to shop the craft show before anyone else. They will also be able to meet the artists, and enjoy cocktails and a dinner buffet. This year’s honorary chairman Martha Stewart will be attending this year’s benefit as well as presenting a lecture on her new initiative, “American Made” this Thursday, April 25.

In addition to Stewart’s lecture, the Craft Show will be presenting two panel discussions.

One, on collections, is at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, and on Sunday, April 28, at 1:30 p.m., interior designer David Mitchell will moderate a panel discussion with several Washington interior designers about decorating around your art. Both events are free.

To purchase tickets for the Smithsonian Craft Show’s Preview Night Benefit, visit SmithsonianCraftShow.org. The website also features a list of all participating vendors.

Georgetowner •

National Sporting Library & Museum “Summer in February” private film screening and preview of Munnings: Out in the Open exhibition, April 21, in Middleburg, Va. [gallery ids="101265,147844,147840,147831,147836" nav="thumbs"]

Robert Devaney •

N Street Village held its annual gala at the Ritz Carlton in the West End April 10. The D.C. non-profit helps homeless and low-income women turn their lives around and work toward self-reliance. It honored N Street Village success stories — Patricia Birk, Shevanda Brantley and Lolita Mitchell — with the Steinbruck Award. Honored with the Founders’ Award: Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., and wife Abigail Blunt as well as Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., for their support of the efforts of N Street Village. Brantley summed it up: “I’m addicted to life!” The gala raised more than $675,000 for N Street Village. [gallery ids="119271,119283,119279" nav="thumbs"]

Nico Dodd •

Easter Seals Serving Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia, honored Tom Brokaw, actor Gary Sinise and Citi for contributions to military, veterans and their families at its annual Advocacy Awards on April 16 at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, D.C. The event focused on achievements in veterans employment and recognized individuals, corporations and foundations that have transformed the landscape for people with disabilities and special needs. The fundraiser generated more than $400,000 to support Easter Seals services, the highest total in the event’s history. [gallery ids="101264,147827,147817,147823" nav="thumbs"]