Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1525828
Ode to Warhol Studio Menil's Super-Pop Alphabet Soup T he Menil Collection gets our vote for originality on the social circuit. In keeping with founders Dominique and John de Menil's patronage of 20th-century greats, Studio Menil Presents: Alphabet Soup offered homage to works of art in the museum's permanent collection that incorporate letters, from Andy Warhol's iconic Big Campbell's Soup Can, 19ยข (Beef Noodle) to Chryssa's painted aluminum Study on Light, both 1962. The ultimate party touch levitated: Shiny, silver alphabet balloons floated above guests' heads in the Menil's Richmond Hall, a reference to Warhol's Silver Clouds installation first shown in 1966 at Leo Castelli Gallery. Organizers incorporated the alphabet theme into every level of the Jackson & Company-catered dinner, from printed program that alphabetized iconic artworks in the museum's collection to desserts of edible letters spelling out "Menil." Kudos to the inventive co-chairs: Menil-featured artists Leslie Hewitt and Jamal Cyrus, Dillon Kyle and Sam Lasseter, Cullen and Robert Muse, and Karlsson and Brian Salek. The night's bottom line highlighted the By Catherine D. Anspon with Jenna Baer. Photography Daniel Ortiz. word green: $350,000 to ensure the Menil continues its curatorial mission while remaining gratis to all. PC Seen: Menil director Rebecca Rabinow and senior curator Michelle White; Menil Foundation president Doug Lawing and Guy Hagstette; collector Bob Ackerley, hosting a buzzy table headlined by post-minimalist sculptor Richard Tuttle and joined by Houston artists Howard Sherman and Tudor Mitroi; Nancy and Butch Abendshein; Mary and Marcel Barone; Diane and Mike Cannon; power gallerists Robert McClain, Laura Rathe, Yvonne Garcia, and Barbara Davis; Jillian Conrad and Francesca Fuchs (set to be featured in upcoming Menil exhibitions), joined by fellow artists Page Kempner, Tara Conley, Selven O'Keef Jarmon, Heather L. Johnson, Henry Sanchez, Anna Mayer, and Preston Gaines with Rice prof Olivia K. Young; Jereann Chaney; Holland Chaney Horton; Barbara and Michael Gamson; Heidi and David Gerger; Craft Center founder Sara Morgan; Franci Neely; Duyen and Marc Nguyen; Jessica Phifer; and Kitty Rabinow. Aaron Parazette & Sharon Engelstein, Anna Mayer Francesca Fuchs, Selven O'Keef Jarmon Jereann Chaney Holland Chaney Horton Chair quartet Jamal Cyrus & Leslie Hewitt, Karlsson & Brian Salek Robert & Cullen Muse, Dillon Kyle & Sam Lasseter Duyen & Marc Nguyen Cristina & Josh Bedwell John McLaughlin & Lisa Rich Rebecca Rabinow 118