Just to make certain that everyone who's anyone is well-informed on the Houston Fine Art Fair, scheduled for Sept. 14-16, the show's host committee celebrated the planning with a gathering in the art-filled home of Melissa and Albert Grobmyer, where the talk was all about growing the fair into a "Mini-Basel on the Bayou."

Janet Hobby and Melissa, partners in MKG Art Management, are serving as show advisors.

Applauding the show's new logo, grazing through the cocktail sushi offerings and admiring the contemporary art works were guests including Aliya and Herman Stude, Bill Goldberg, Victoria and Marshal Lightman, Craig Massey, Catherine Masterson, Jereann Chaney, Lea Weingarten, Greg Forticq, Heidi Gerger and Elizabeth and Barry Young.

Organizers are expecting more than 80 leading galleries from across the U.S., Latin America and Europe to bring in paintings, drawings, print editions, sculpture, installations and photography.

Asia Society on a party roll

The celebrations are building in intensity as the grand opening of Asia Society Texas Center's grand opening approaches with the April 12 Tiger Ball. Supporters of the black-tie gala were treated to a festive evening in the Museum District home of Gina and Dr. Devinder Bhatia, where the buzz was all about the gala that is expected to see 1,000 guests.

The four Tiger Ball chairs — Judy Nyquist, Shushila Agrawal, Y. Ping Sun and Margaret Williams — joined gala host Nancy Allen in keeping the excitement building. Toasting Asia Society's growing profile were Shazma and Arshad Matin, Jereann Chaney, Carolyn Farb, Peter Brown, Marie and Vijay Goradia, Lily and Charles Foster and Betsy and Fred Griffin.

Diamonds a girl's best look

Just ask Kelli Blanton who wore $400,000 worth of pink sapphires and diamonds on Wednesday for her role as chair of the Best Dressed luncheon at the Westin Galleria.

Thank you, Nini Jewels which provided the glamorous baubles that were offset so beautifully her white luncheon dress by Fabiola Arias. You might recall that Houston-based Nini Hale made news during the Screen Actors Guild Awards when actress Mayim Bialik wore her designs.

Jay Leno and the Jaguar

Jay Leno might have left a $10,000 donation for Children at Risk after his monologue at the gala last weekend but he didn't leave town empty-handed. Momentum Jaguar commissioned artist Taft McWhorter to paint a Jag logo (a sliver cat leaping across a black canvas) for the star known for an extensive car collection.

Momentum provided the Jaguar transportation for Leno to and from the gala back to Hobby Airport where his private jet awaited. Coincidentally, McWhorter is an official charitable partner with and financial contributor to Children at Risk.

A feel good opportunity

With this week's news that autism rates are rising and with April designated as Autism Awareness Month, we can't think of better timing for checking out Earle Martin's book The Boy Who Saved My Life. It's the story of how the his grandson, Charlie Stubbs, diagnosed with autism at age 2, helped him find meaning in his own life. You can meet Earle at Brazos Bookstore on April 11, when he will be featured at a booksigning.

Today, Charlie works at The Brookwood Community and Earle talked about their experiences at The Brookwood Community gala in the fall. Melinda Stubbs, Charlie's mother, was one of the gala chairs.

Earle recently received the Barbara Jordan Media Award for his leadership in education the public about autism and long-term care for disabled adults. The book was published by Bright Sky Press last year.