Art lovers, collectors, and creative provocateurs turned up and turned it out for CAMH Party, the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston’s signature benefit and art auction. Never ones for beige galas or sleepy sit-downs, CAMH once again threw a night that shimmered with style, swagger, and the museum’s trademark adventurous, creative edge.
The Brown Foundation Gallery became the canvas for the night, dressed up with artful flourish by Events Co., complete with dramatic lighting and immersive décor that played off the evening’s sassy energy. More than 200 guests made their entrance on a vibrant green carpet, decked in bold colors, high-concept fashion, and a clear understanding of the assignment: Serve lewks, not leftovers.
Guests sipped cocktails from Lalo Tequila while previewing the silent auction, featuring coveted works by the likes of Robert Pruitt, Alexis Pye, and Roxy Paine, with bidding powered by Qtego Fundraising Services. But this was no quiet affair — the room buzzed with excited chatter and sneaky competitive glances from across the gallery walls.
Then partygoers shifted to dinner mode with a refined menu from Swift and Co. Hors d’oeuvres included caviar tacos and steak tartare, followed by elegant entrées like scallopini of chicken and herb-crusted salmon. Dessert? A floral-forward strawberry sorbet kissed with mascarpone, meringue, and actual rose petals—because why not eat like you’re in a painting?
CAMH co-directors Ryan Dennis and Melissa McDonnell Luján toasted to the museum’s legacy and shared what’s ahead, including a solo show by Houston-born artist Tomashi Jackson and the Teen Council’s 25th anniversary this summer. A buzzy live auction led by Sotheby’s Charlie Caulkins followed, with works by CAMH-exhibited artists like Garrett Bradley, Cindy Sherman, and Vincent Valdez sparking energetic bids and side-eyes alike.
Then came the inevitable vibe shift: the After Party.
The gallery morphed into a nocturnal lounge where grilled cheese met churros, and the legendary DJ Spinderella spun hits that got the art crowd dancing like nobody was watching or judging. Guests sipped more Lalo, bounced to the beat, and stayed well past midnight.
Soaking in the creative mayhem were Elisa and Chris Pye, Poppi Massey, Phoebe Cholnoky, Josh Pazda and Chris Goins, Sissy and Denny Kempner, Joe and Johanne Gatto, Kristin and Drew Perring, Danielle O’Bannon and Jon Redwine, Unique James, and Darryl Sharpton, with support from a powerhouse host committee featuring names like Paola Creixell, Jamal Cyrus, Mary and Marcel Barone, and Jessica Phifer.
