It was a sellout performance at the Junior League of Houston on Monday when scores of the city's most dynamic personalities entertained at luncheon tables during the annual "The Art of Conversation" benefiting City ArtWorks.

Contemporary Arts Museum director Bill Arning, KPRC Ch. 2 meteorologistFrank Billingsley and Crime Stoppers executive director Katherine Cabaniss were among the chatty conversationalists who helped lure a vibrant contingent of guests.

Applause, applause for luncheon chairs Cindi Rose and Mady Kades, who rounded up the coterie of notables that also included Good Morning Houston's Deborah Duncan, internationally-acclaimed interior designer Bill Stubbsand social lioness Lynn Wyatt. They talked on their careers, their philanthropy and their lifestyles, answering any and all questions from the nine paying customers sitting at their tables.

Chef Arturo Boada talked food and his hot new restaurant Arturo Boada Cuisine on Del Monte while Houston Zoo director Rick Barongi entertained with animal stories. And, of course, who wasn't entertained at the table led by affable jewelry designer Mariquita Masterson?

Proceeds help City ArtWorks continue its after-school arts education for elementary and middle school students. The Art After School program reaches some 3,000 children each year in more than 45 schools in the Houston area. And that's just one of the 29-year-old non-profit's programs.

The mix of guests included Brittney Tribble, Mehrnaz Gill, Gina Bhatia, Beth Wolff, Gabriela Dror, Karen Wildenstein, Lane Llewellyn, Azar Taleghany and Ben Harwood Rose.