A dinner salute

Images of battle: MFAH's striking War/Photography kicks off with a dinner forheavy hitters

Photo by Pete Baatz
Photo by Pete Baatz
Photo by Pete Baatz
Photo by Pete Baatz
Photo by Pete Baatz
Photo by Pete Baatz
Photo by Pete Baatz
Photo by Pete Baatz

With the compelling images of war in their collective mind's eye, more than 200 Museum of Fine Arts, Houston patrons gathered in a gallery of the Beck Building, surrounded by masterworks from the museum's permanent collection, to reflect on the new exhibition and to enjoy the camaraderie of the War/Photography preview dinner.

Two days later, the exhibition opened to the public on Veteran's Day with admission waived, throughout the run, for all veterans and active military, a gift from JPMorganChase.

City Kitchen provided the autumn-themed dinner for the gathering that included museum trustees and donors, exhibition funders, curators and some 20 lenders and 30 photographers with works in the War/Photography galleries.

Heading the guest list for this evening celebrating the project that has been a decade in the works were museum board chair Cornelia Long and Meredith Long, major underwriters Edith and Phillip Leonian, plus John Nau, Anne and Charles Duncan, Jereann Chaney, Kathy and Marty Goossen, Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff, Diane and John Riley, Ann Trammell, Carla Knobloch and Joan Morgenstern.

Representing the hands-on side of the exhibition were curators Anne Wilkes Tucker, Will Michels and Natalie Zelt. Contributing photographers joining the tables included James Nachtwey, Don McCullin, Carolyn Cole, Louie Palu, Jim Goldberg, Susan Meiselasand Jonathan Torgovnik.

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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