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Deco Drama The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston���s $1.4 Million ���Modern��� Grand Gala Ball Holbrook Dorn Amy Purvis CATHERINE D. ANSPON SURVEYS THE SCENE. PHOTOGRAPHY JENNY ANTILL, PRISCILLA DICKSON. Swank Decor, Swells with Deep Pockets Albert Chao Kirby McCool E ach year, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Grand Gala Ball ��� the epicenter of the fall season ��� has its own distinctive allure, vibe and theme. The celebratory swagger of 2010���s American art-inspired gala took its cue from an epic Frank Stella canvas; last year���s over-the-top Egyptian-infused event was shaped by Tut-mania. In counterpoint, the 2012 Grand Gala Ball was edged in elegance and understatement. No pharaoh-inspired ���oral displays crowded the reception desk. Instead, one Jazz Age masterpiece ��� Edgar Brandt���s wrought-iron and gilded Deco-era ���rescreen bearing the image of a Isadora Duncan-styled dancer trailing a scarf ��� reigned at the entrance to the Law Building���s atrium. Modern-day swells assembled around Brandt���s 1925 ���gural ���apper, carrying forth this year���s ���Modern��� theme with panache and insouciant attitude. Over it all presided powerhouse swan Cornelia Long, MFAH���s chairman of the board, on the arm of her dashing gallerist husband Meredith Long. For this year���s event, ���less is more��� was obviously Miz Long���s mantra: D��cor-maker John Friedman devised the emerald-hued arrival tent, and InBloom���s Scott McCool crafted the dramatic orchid centerpieces. Projected slides of the museum���s greatest Deco hits from the permanent collection ���ashed upon the walls of the Mies van der Rohe���designed Cullinan Hall. Also appearing overhead was an image of Mrs. Long from 1961, the ���rst year she chaired the ball, reinforcing the sense of tradition and timelessness that permeated the beautiful, smoldering evening. Four hundred and ���fty guests and more than $1.4 million later ��� after a lavish three-course seated dinner devised by City Kitchen and privileged ones ���lling the dance ���oor to standards by Manhattan-based Starlight Orchestra ��� this was indeed one for the ���Modern��� record books. Anne Chao Meredith Long Bruce Richardson Ed Bosarge Frances Marzio Cornelia Long at Grand Gala Ball, 1961 Around Brandt���s 1925 Nancy Kinder Kelly Silvers Nicholas Silvers Harry Cullen Rose Cullen Opulent Ones Modern. Susie Criner Michael Gamson Debbie Daugherty Barbara Gamson Windi Grimes John Daugherty Bobbie Nau Jeanie Kilroy Pat Breen Janice McNair Sherry Smith Ed Becnel John Bookout Ann Bookout Roxana McAllister Marie Bosarge with panache and insouciant attitude Dancie Ware Martha Long Brad Wyatt forth the theme Franci Crane Chairman Cornelia Long Gary Tinterow Lynn Wyatt modern day Phoebe Tudor Kate Rizzo Jim Daniel Margaret Williams Director Gary Tinterow at his ���rst Grand Gala Ball with Christopher Gardner Marie and Ed Bosarge Fayez Saro���m with Dena Albea Kelly and Nicholas Silvers, who won the dinner with Steven Holl, the architect of the impending MFAH third building Martha Long with Sean Wade Laura and John Arnold Diane Lokey Farb Nancy and Rich Kinder Ann and John Bookout Phoebe and Bobby Tudor Kelli and Martin Fein Lynn Wyatt escorted by son Brad Wyatt Rolanette and Berdon Lawrence Janice and Bob McNair Macey and Harry Reasoner Leslie and Brad Bucher Carol and Michael Linn Debbie and John Daugherty Michelle and Frank Hevrdejs Franci and Jim Crane Rose and Harry Cullen Elise and Russell Joseph Margaret Williams with Jim Daniel Pat Breen Jeanie Kilroy with Ed Becnel