Shelby's Social Diary

Schmoozing on the lawn: Artful young professionals enjoy a spring mixer at TheMenil

Curator Michelle White leads the Menil Contemporaries on a private gallery tour.
Photo by © David A. Brown/Dabfoto Creative
Photo by © David A. Brown/Dabfoto Creative
Photo by © David A. Brown/Dabfoto Creative
Photo by © David A. Brown/Dabfoto Creative
Photo by © David A. Brown/Dabfoto Creative
Photo by © David A. Brown/Dabfoto Creative
Photo by © David A. Brown/Dabfoto Creative
Menil Contemporaries partied beneath the eves of The Menil Collection.
Photo by © David A. Brown/Dabfoto Creative

What better place for a spring mixer than under the eaves the architecturally serene Menil Collection where views of the wide green lawn and neighboring oaks provides an idyllic verdant backdrop for sophisticated socializing?

So it was last week when event hosts Katherine and Mark Yzaguirre and Susanna Kise welcomed 70 Menil Contemporaries and guests for an evening of art, schmoozing, sangria and hors d'oeuvres, the latter provided by Mickey Morales of Gourmet Familia.

Just as the sun was setting, attendees were invited into the museum for a rare private tour of the Richard Serra Drawing: A Retrospective exhibition with curator Michelle White.

Membership in Menil Contemporaries is open to those aged 21 to 45 with the tariff ranging from $100 to $500 for individuals. Membership includes gallery talks with curators, cocktail parties and casual social gatherings, visits to collectors' homes, behind-the-scenes tours, private receptions and exclusive educational events.

Joining the activities were Menil Contemporaries chair Ryan Boehner, Karen Lantz, Michelangelo Sabatino, Emily Griffith, Tessa Ferreyros, Shabana Qaiser, Jose Noyes, Michelle White and Serge Ambrose.

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Party Watch

Distinguished Houston gents gather for Brioni’s grand opening

What: Brioni Grand Opening with Men of Distinction

Where: Brioni Boutique in River Oaks District

The scoop: Italian menswear designer Brioni celebrated the grand opening of its Houston flagship at River Oaks District with a luxurious evening that merged high fashion with philanthropy. The November 7 event featured a private preview of Brioni's Bespoke Trunk Show, spotlighting the brand’s tailored craftsmanship. Men of Distinction, a nonprofit honoring Houston's community leaders, took the opportunity to recognize its esteemed researchers and honorees, celebrating milestones in raising funds for critical medical research at Texas Medical Center.

Dr. Michael A. Belfort of Texas Children’s Hospital delivered remarks that highlighted Men of Distinction's contributions to pioneering medical procedures, such as life-changing surgeries for spina bifida. Guests enjoyed Italian prosecco, old-fashioned cocktails, and tastings from The Macallan’s 12- and 15-year single malts, along with Italian bites by Bari Ristorante. Attendees left with luxurious parting gifts, including a Brioni crocodile leather keychain and a spa experience at The Post Oak Hotel.

Photo by Gary Fountain

A.J. Williams with Andi and Ballard Infante.

Who: Jesse Tudor, Gary Peterson, Mike Linn and Carol Linn, Keith Mosing and Alice Mosing, David Wurthrich, Tom Perich and Debra Perich, Dancie Ware and Jim Ware, John Serpe, Molly Crownover, Kevin Gilliard and Frank Billingsley, Tracy Dieterich, Robert Bernard, A.J. Williams, and Andi and Ballard Infante.

brioni river oaks district fundraisers men of distinction