The impressive collection of H-Town art world heavyweights that gathered recently in Lynn Wyatt's swank dining room was a rare assemblage of the city's leading arts talent.
Among the score of heavy-hitters sitting down at one of the two circular dining tables were Houston Grand Opera's Patrick Summers, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston's Gary Tinterow, the Alley Theatre's Gregory Boyd and Houston Ballet's Stanton Welch.
"I just can't believe that the directors of these world class, major institutions are all together in this room," Wyatt said.
The special gathering was sponsored by Houston newcomer Chopard and Departures magazine. It was the second in a series, dubbed "The Salon Conversation," which began in San Francisco earlier this year. These dinner events are being held in conjunction with Global Philanthropy Group, which provides philanthropic strategy services to individuals, corporations and foundations.
Welcoming the heady group were Chopard's North America CEO Ralph Simons and from Departures features director Heather Halberstadt and senior veep and publisher Steven Deluca.
Departures had enlisted La Wyatt to assemble the heady group that included Houston's most active philanthropists Nancy and Rich Kinder, who chairs the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston board, and Paul and Janet Hobby, who chairs The Menil Collection board. Rothko Chapel was represented by director of development Thuy Tran and Mercury: The Orchestra Redefined was represented by executive director Brian Ritter. Anne and Dr. John Mendelsohn, HGO board chairman, rounded out the notables.
As this would be no ordinary dinner, Wyatt enlisted the talents of her French chef to prepare the four-course meal: Avocado mousse wrapped in smoked salmon, Coq Au Vin served with asparagus, timballe of cauliflower and spinach, a salad and cheese course and, for dessert, ice cream soufflé.
By all accounts, it was a delicious evening on every level.
