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Centennial A Remember to (Continued) A s a mere 365 guests arrived at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston's Cullinan Hall for the 100th anniversary Grand Gala Ball, one could not help but recall the "less is more" adage of Mies van der Rohe. For, indeed, the intimate number of gala guests raised a record $5.5 million as they wined, dined, and danced in the vast gallery space designed by van der Rohe. The rich proceeds provided a sweet note to an evening that referenced the centennial not only through the stunning Art Deco decor, but also in the fashion of a few uninhibited femmes whose attire either hinted at or went full-throttle flapper. Case in point: Cyvia Wolff not only dressed in a vintage frock but also shimmied like a 20-year-old. She was part of the Life Trustee Committee, members of which served as honorary gala chairs. Among those life trustees attending were MFAH board chair Anne Duncan, Brad Bucher, Frank Hevrdejs, Joe Hudson, Rich Kinder, Franci Neely, Alice Simkins, Margaret Alkek Williams, Lynn Wyatt, and Jeanie Kilroy Wilson. The black-tie throng celebrated amid Art Deco redux at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Grand Gala Ball By Shelby Hodge. Photography Jenny Antill Clifton. splendid decor created by The Events Company and Richard Flowers, who was given a shout-out by museum director Gary Tinterow for his decades of gala inspiration. Evoking the 1920s, Cullinan Hall was draped in dark-green velvet with gilded mirrors flanking the stage and gilded palm trees rising from the museum floor. Candelabra gracing the tables were blown glass made in Romania especially for the ball. Overhead, massive 13-foot-tall chandeliers further set the mood. Special to the evening was a four-minute video documenting the history of the museum with vintage and current images. Screens on either side of the hall also scrolled through scores of historical images throughout the night. Per MFAH Grand Gala Ball tradition, City Kitchen created the lavish dinner. Contributing to the financial windfall was a $2 million gift from longtime museum supporter J. Venn Leeds, which established the Jan and J. Venn Leeds Grand Gala Ball Operating Endowment. Nancy and Rich Kinder added another $1 million to the centennial celebration bottom line. Feather Dancers MFAH director Gary Tinterow Franci Neely, Michelle & Frank Hevrdejs Keefer Lehner, Daniel Zilkha, Rohan Shetty Lynn Wyatt Steve Wyatt Nicole Katz, Brandon Wattz Phoebe & Bobby Tudor 30