PARTY WATCH

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston celebrates 75 years with a jewel-themed party

The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH) rolled out the purple carpet to celebrate their 75th year with the Diamond Anniversary Gala and Art Auction on April 6. Revelers dressed head-to-toe in their best monochrome looks and walked the purple carpet before entering the Brown Foundation Gallery which was bathed in refracting light.

In keeping with the sparkling gemstone theme, over 300 attendees enjoyed clear and reflective decor at the event co-chaired by Anita and Gerald Smith and Leigh and Reggie Smith. Drinks flowed at the silent auction before Kam Franklin of Houston-based band The Suffers invited guests to settle in for dinner.

Contemporary Arts Museum Gala 2024 Kam Franklin and Unique James at the CAMH 75th Anniversary Gala. Photo by Emily Jaschke

CAMH Executive Director Hesse McGraw, the gala's keynote speaker, celebrated the milestone occasion by highlighting some of the most memorable exhibitions and touching on future events at the museum including solo exhibitions by Olivia Erlanger and Theaster Gates. Guests had the opportunity to bid on artwork from notable names including Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, Ming Smith, Anni Albers, and Antony Gormley.

Those who weren't ready for the evening to end danced the night away at the "Diamonds in the Sky After Party." DJ Big Reeks of the Waxaholics presided over the after party in the Eleanor and Frank Freed Garden outside the museum. The late night partiers were treated to cocktails by Lalo Tequila and high-end skincare by Buttah.

Contemporary Arts Museum Gala 2024 Attendees at the after party.Photo by Emily Jaschke

Notable attendees include: Mara and Erick Calderon, Johanne Beaulieu Gatto and Joe Gatto, Carrie and Sverre Brandsberg-Dahl, Ruth Dreessen and Tom Van Laan, Siggi and Martellus Bennett, Valerie Cassel Oliver, Katharine Barthelme Frank and Shane Frank, Cece and Mack Fowler, Leslie and Brad Bucher, Mary and Dr. Bernardino Arocha, Marley Lott, Kathy and George Britton, Shawn Roberts, Dillon Kyle and Sam Lasseter, Cindy and David Fitch, Amy and Blair Garrou, and John Roberts.

Photo by Emily Jaschke

Alecia Harris and Eivind Moen.

Party Watch

Animal encounters and sweet treats delight Houston's Night at the Zoo

Photo by Johnny Than

Zac and Courtney Harmon.

What: Seventh Annual Night at the Zoo

Where: Houston Zoo’s Masihara Pavilion

The scoop: Wildlife enthusiasts from Houston Zoo’s Asante Society gathered under the stars on February 13 for an evening of sips, bites, and animal encounters. Guests mingled over wine, beer, and craft cocktails while sampling an array of savory and sweet treats from a selection of Houston’s top eateries.

Attendees got up close with the zoo’s charming ambassador animals and engaged with their passionate keepers, gaining insight into ongoing conservation efforts. Lee Ehmke, Houston Zoo’s president and CEO, took a moment to reflect on his nearly decade-long tenure.

Under Ehmke’s leadership, the zoo has unveiled four immersive exhibits, including the Galápagos Islands and Kathrine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands, with more transformative projects on the horizon. Ehmke will be honored later this year at the Zoo Ball 2025, set for October 25.

Who: Among the 250 partygoers were Stacey and Al Lindseth, Amy Ng, Abhilash Gummakonda, Courtney and Zac Harmon, Carina Antweil, Shea and Braden Parker, Christy Brown, Leslie and Donny Kilbourn, Darvell Bivens, Kayla Adams, Gabby Stuckenschneider, Maggie Sheridan, Laura and Terry Harvey, Lisa Marie Avendaño, Renee Renfroe, Sue Chin, Ginger Blanton, and Tracy and Jim Fish.

Photo by Johnny Than

Zac and Courtney Harmon.

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