| |
Guests at the Frick's Spring Party enjoyed rare access to the Russell Page Garden on 70th Street; photo: Christine A. Butler |
On Monday, May 9, The Frick Collection opened its doors to more than 320 supporters and members for its annual black-tie Spring Party, a gathering that is a benefit of membership and one of the most elegant ways to experience the Frick and its mansion.
This year, despite the fact that it was 2 weeks earlier in the Spring than usual, it was a glorious evening. The outdoor Russell Page Garden was still full of tulips (unusual), and guests enjoyed rare access to this lovely elevated spot on 70th Street. They also enjoyed full access to the galleries, where many had their last look at the special loan exhibition of paintings, drawings, and prints by Rembrandt and his School (running just through May 15). Not too far from Rembrandt's iconic Self Portrait (and recently cleaned …9 layers of yellowed varnish were removed!), guests enjoyed passed desserts as well as a mouth-watering dessert buffet by Union Square Events. Classic White and Rosé wines were donated by Wölffer Estate Vineyard.
In the Music Room, dancing prevailed much of the evening with NYC bandleader George Gee and his Jump Jivin' Wailers, who treated guests to a swinging mix that ran from Basie's classic Jumpin' at the Woodside to Motown and contemporary hits. Outside in the Russell Page Garden, a cool jazz quintet, The Flail (more of a 1950s/bop book), played near the lily and lotus pond while guests at cocktail tables enjoyed the evening air and light. Everywhere they went, supporters found flowers (scheme devised by Frick Horticulturist and Special Events Designer Galen Lee): the Garden Court was teeming with yellow, orange, red, and purple tuberous begonias, as well as white orchids and lilies. Pink peony and lilac arrangements filled the alcoves on the ramp and vases on the silk striped cocktail tables. The Russell Page Garden was filled with scarlet red tulips above a bed of purple-blue pansies. (backing up, guests were greeted in the Entrance Hall with fragrant white hydrangea flanking a bust of Henry Clay Frick). |
Guests enjoy the Russell Page Garden on 70th Street; photo: Christine A. Butler |
Sarah C. and Henry P. Johnson, and Sofia Blanchard; photo: Christine A. Butler |
Director Anne L. Poulet and Associate Director and Peter Jay Sharp Chief Curator Colin B. Bailey; photo: Christine A. Butler |
Margaret Wang, Megan Dempsey, Cara Lonergan, Michael Koenigs, Caroline Gogolak, Jess Bolkcam; photo: Christine A. Butler |
Helen Clay Chace, Sofia Blanchard, Margot C. Bogert, and Peter P. Blanchard; photo: Christine A. Butler |
Frick Director Anne L. Poulet, Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer Robert Goldsmith, and Board Chairman Margot C. Bogert; photo: Stephanie Badini |
Melanie Lazenby and Lacary Sharpe; photo: Stephanie Badini |
Charlie Schlangen, Victoria Hawbecker, Jun Ge, Lin Gao; photo: Stephanie Badini |
Sloan Overstrom and Clare E. McKeon; photo: Stephanie Badini |
Nathaniel Bristol, Laura Gail Smith, Kim Quicksilver, and Matthew H. Salsbury; photo: Stephanie Badini
|
Laura Gail Smith and Nathaniel Bristol; photo: Stephanie Badini |
Linnea Wilson, Sean Dailey, Megan E. Kultgen, Ryan Hayward, and Scott Asher; photo: Stephanie Badini |
|
|
