Well, they didn't exactly say that you couldn't wear black to the Glassell School of Art's "Local Color" benefit on Friday night. But almost no one did, as guests embraced the "loud and proud" fashion theme by stepping out in the brightest and boldest threads that they could find in their closets.

As a result, the vibrant fashion palette competed with the tableau of artwork lining the walls of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston teaching arm, where guests placed bids on their favorite pieces. Works from Glassell School faculty, students, alumni and Core fellows were on the silent auction block as part of the evening's fundraising.

Benefit chairs Vallette and Russell Windham, doing their share to enliven the party scene, welcomed guests that included Clare Glassell, Alfred Glassell III, Heidi and David Gerger, Betty and Stephen Newton, Aliyya and Hermann Stude, Courtney and Christopher Sarofim and Kelli and Eddy Blanton.

On the brief program were museum director Peter Marzio and Meredith Long, who presented the 2010 Meredith Long Core Program Award, a $10,000 stipend to second-year Core artist Lily Cox-Richard. Applause, applause from all including Glassell School director Joseph Havel.

Big ticket buyers arrived early, sitting in the Cullen Sculpture Garden under party tents for a deliciously chilled (the night was a bit muggy and warm) supper from Elizabeth Swift's Swift & Co. Our favorite libation — frozen screwdrivers served in martini glasses and topped with a chilled orange slice. After dinner, more guests arrived to heat up the bidding on the artful auction.

Among the diners thanking heaven for the electric fans that kept the air stirring were Cornelia Long, Martha Long, Leslie and Jack Blanton Jr., Julie and Drew Alexander, Frances Marzio, Wendy and Jeff Hines, Claire Ankenman, Carla Knobloch and Victoria and Marshal Lightman. He actually did dress in all black.