Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2010 > October > 23 > Entry
Arthouse at the Jones Center Reopening Parties
Director Sue Graze looked ecstatic. Key backers, such as Stephen Jones and Julie Thornton, glowed as giddily as new parents. Crowds oozed up and down the multiple levels of Arthouse at the Jones Center, emitting audible “Oos” and “Ahs” over the lofty rooms, punctured walls and dark wood slats.
Julie Thornton and John Spong
Thursday, artists had previewed the totally re-imagined contemporary arts center on Congress Avenue. Austin Film Festival attendees, tourists and ordinary nightclubbers paused to gape at the building’s transparent skin, or to gaze up at the revelers peeking over the rooftop parapet. (I watched this parade from the Stephen F. terrace.)
Michael and Nicholas Catanese (Yes! My notes were right!)
Friday, holders of $1,000 dinner tickets paused on the second floor, wondering if the installation of rough dinnerware and furniture — constructed from recycled materials from the former movie theater and department store — was the actual dining area. Nice moment.
Eddie Safady and David Whiteaker
Everywhere were the titans of latter day Austin’s arts evolution: Jeanne and Mickey Klein, Suzanne Booth, Stephen Mills, Cookie Ruiz, etc. Also socializers of the first rank, plus a sprinkling of media. The mood elevated as guests rose to the miraculous rooftop, where the actual dinner took place.
Alice and Eric Foultz with Suzanne Deal Booth
At our table: Banker and backer Eddie Safady, arts leader Anne Elizabeth Wynn, filmmaker Joaquin Avellan, foundation captain Eugene Sepulveda, architectural designer David Whiteaker, contractor Howard Yancy and psychologist Mary Yancy. Conversations loosened up more generously than is usual at gala events. The guests seemed liberated by the occasion to act as if were were all close friends around a domestic table.
Margo Sawyer and Alisa Weldon
As the night stretched on, the next wave of partiers ($125 tickets) mixed casually with the diners. Today and Sunday, admission is free, ushering hundreds more into the galleries. This kind of phased party makes so much sense. Everyone pays what they — or their hosts — can afford.
Stephen Mills, Cookie Ruiz and Brent Hasty
The charity wins. Everyone mixes. It’s so Austin.
UPDATE: An earlier version of this post had Stephen Jones’ first name wrong. The ticket prices are now correct.
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By Stephen Jones
October 23, 2010 3:14 PM | Link to this
The 2nd picture is of Michael and Nick Catanese of New York and soon to be Austin!