What: Martini Madness! A Space-Age Soiree
Where: Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
The scoop: Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (HCCC) looked to the future and celebrated the past with Martini Madness! A Space-Age Soiree.
This year’s party featured a space-age theme, and guests were encouraged to participate by wearing their chicest space-race attire to win a prize in the costume contest. Attendees showed off their favorite looks inspired by ‘60s mod fashions, NASA, silver metallic, and all things outer space.
The evening’s costume winners were Edward Lane McCartney and David Gooding in matching silver space suits, Kathleen and Jeff Zinn for their space vixen and astronaut attire, and Robin Pilcher and Kelly Jones, who channeled Woody Allen’s robot from Sleeper and a glamorous alien.
Other memorable guests included Karina Barbieri, who wowed in a silver, sequined cocktail dress; Fredia Mitchell, as “Uhura” from the original “Star Trek” TV series; Sarah Darro, as a '60s flight attendant from another world; and Patricia Restrepo in a stunning vintage hat.
At the beginning of the evening, guests chose from an incredible array of martini glasses—all of which were handmade by local and national craft artists—to use and take home. Nearly 200 people enjoyed classic, “Cosmic Cosmopolitan,” and “Martian” martinis courtesy Deep Eddy Vodka, while they posed in the photo booth and spaced out in the Cosmic Lounge, which featured a sky filled with shooting stars.
Peter Lucas entertained the crowd by spinning a groovy selection of mid-century lounge and soundtrack tunes that complemented the spectacular visuals by creative duo, Paradox. Guests snacked on delicious appetizers from Cordua Catering, including tempura rock shrimp, beef empanaditas, mini tacos, and one-bite salads served in tubes from a futuristic “pipette” wall.
Approximately $55,000 in proceeds were raised to benefit HCCC, a visual arts center featuring a nationally regarded artist residency program, original exhibitions of contemporary craft, and engaging educational programming for all ages.
Spotted in the crowd: Event Chairs Mike Mahlstedt, Kyle Dutton, Libby Cagle, Lauren Taft, Perry Price and Rosemary Price, Phyllis Childress, Victoria and Marshal Lightman, Karina and Carlos Barbieri, Judy Nyquist and Jerry Schultz, Kathryn Rabinow, Betty Moody, Clint Willour and Reid Mitchell, Shelby Hodge and Shafik Rifaat, Edward Lane McCartney and David Gooding, Paula Arnold and Ted Pinson, Delicia Harvey and John Carrithers, Liz Barrett Crosswell, Allison Bagley, Camilo Gonzalez and Ana Escobar, and Patricia Restrepo.
Rosemary Price and Perry Price, HCCC Executive Director, Martini Madness! A Space-Age Soiree, at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft.
