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MARCH | PAGE 26 | 2015 BOTTOMS UP FOR BOSSA NOVA HANDS UP FOR THE ORANGE SHOW ANNE LEE PHILLIPS MIXES IT UP. PHOTOGRAPHY ROSWITHA VOGLER FOR PHOTOS BY ROVO. CATHERINE D. ANSPON DETAILS THE SPLENDORS. PHOTOGRAPHY MIKE HERRERA. F orget craft beer. It was all about craft martinis at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft's seventh annual Martini Madness. Take one Brazilian/mid-century theme, mix in live bossa nova music from Charlie Perez and his band, add 200 costumed carousers, and serve lemon drops and cosmos from Deep Eddy Vodka in artisan-crafted martini glasses for the perfect party recipe. With a healthy dose of liquid courage, revelers went crazy posing for pics (with props) in the digital photo booth from Photobomb and bid heavily on the big-board auction items. Mixologists: chairs Paula Arnold and Ted Pinson, honorary chairs Betsy and Chuck Powell, HCCC board prez Victoria Lightman and husband Marshal (wearing his own vintage high school blazer), HCCC's Julie Farr, and Minnette and Peter Boesel. Be our guest at the best parties in Houston. Visit papercitymag.com for more party coverage. I f you haven't been to the Orange Show Gala, you're missing one of the signature art fêtes in America. This year's party had all the classic touches we've come to know and love, beginning with an open-ended theme, an homage to the hand — as in handmade, natch. A savvy host committee beat the gala drums on this big night that has happily settled upon the perfect venue: Astrodome-era Heritage Center at Crowne Plaza Reliant. The evening honored posthumously the creative acumen of the Orange Show and Beer Can House's originators, visionary makers Jeff McKissack and John Milkovisch. The other stars were the artists, most in attendance, who donate to the silent auction, which caused brisk bidding on lots encompassing artworks by headliners Jesús Moroles (donating an epic granite pillar, which went to Samina Farid), McKay Otto, Sharon Kopriva, Angelbert Metoyer, Wanda Alexander (her drawing graced the night's program cover), and Kelly Moran. Orange Show founder and board chair Marilyn Oshman, Erica Levit, Don Mafrige Jr., Lance Rosmarin and Harriet Gertner served as auction chairs, calling in all the favors they had. A parade of palm readers, henna artists, graphologists, shadow puppeteers and magicians added a frisson of excitement, although the guests were every bit their match. Worthy of top costume honors among the throng of 600: the aforementioned Señor Mafrige, attired as a very built handyman; Marta Fredricks adorned with hands from head to toe; Will Robinson, wearing a handprint upon his face, perfectly accessorized with a serape jacket; Lucinda Loya in leggings emblazoned with images of manicured hands; artist Erma Lee of the Inspirational Art Garden; and patroness Stephanie Smither, as in Smither Park. After a performance by The Celebrity Allstar Band — back by popular demand, comprised of former members of Earth Wind & Fire, The Eagles, Billy Joel, Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey and Stevie Wonder — $600,000 was raked into the Orange Show coffers. This one was destined for the party annals. Bob Lordi Chair Paula Arnold Sarah Mallory Miriam Mendoza Fabéne Welch Tara Conley Chair Ted Pinson Julie Farr Tiffany Halik Carlos Barbieri Iva Kinnaird Anne Lee Phillips Jenny Lynn Weitz Amaré- Cartwright Suzanne Sippel Michel Muylle John de la Cruz Jon Grayson Minnette Boesel Sara Morgan Sue Schwartz Margot Williams Marshal Lightman Karina Barbieri Crystal Schultea Gage Bennett Jera Rose Petal Lodge Nyala Wright Nolen Franny Koelsch Jeffries John Jeffries Lane Schultz Arlene Hoffman Karen Desenberg Marta Fredricks Jesús Moroles Harriet Gertner McKay Otto Glen Larner Angelbert Metoyer Ashley Langley Michelle Merciful Will Robinson Raphael Portet Lucinda Loya Stephanie Smither Lester Marks Rainey Knudson Michael Galbreth Barbara Davis Doug Lawing Laurie McRay John Smither Dixie Friend Gay Keith Hollingsworth Ethelyn Kuldell Marilyn Oshman Christopher Mendel Valerie Rosmarin Lance Rosmarin Don Mafrige Jr. Mise en scène Victoria Lightman Bob Schultz