Chinois soirée
Shanghai Heist hits new heights at Bayou City Art Festival
The footsteps of Houston City Hall never looked so swank as they did on Saturday evening at the Shanghai Heist, a Fanfare for Art Thieves. Representing the pinnacle party of the Bayou City Art Festival downtown, the event's top draw was the chance to "steal" one of 50 pieces of art that had been donated by participating festival artists.
The unusual auction was preceded by a spot-on performance by Red Door Dancers. Ribbons swayed in the downtown evening air as Dance of Asian America frolicked all night long.
Roseanne Rogers and MIX 96.5's Maria Todd emceed the soirée, which was punctuated by a dragon-infused jaw-dropping dance troupe shimmy. Budding collectors and chinois sheiks swirled signature cocktails while nibbling on skewers of Asian savories.
Among the orientally inclined were festival executive director Kim Stoilis, Paul Pettie of Capital One and honorary co-chairs Ed Gonzalez and Laura Spanjian. The supreme emperors of the evening were honorees Rodney Finger and Anella Metoyer, who were recognized for their continued support of the festival.
All the funds raised by the event benefit the 2010 Bayou City Art Festival Downtown's nonprofit partners, including Bering Omega Community Services, Museum of Cultural Arts and the Spay-Neuter Assistance Program.