Director Wes Anderson and actress Tilda Swinton gracefully mingled with 230 guests Thursday night at Rothko Chapel's Visionary Award Gala.
The event, chaired by the elegant Lynn Wyatt, marked the 50th anniversary of John and Dominique de Menil's commissioning of artist Mark Rothko to create a sacred space with his work.
Anderson, a Houston native and University of Texas graduate, introduced friend and colleague Swinton, who was presented with the night's Visionary Award. The two are frequent collaborators, and Swinton starred in Anderson's most recent film, "The Grand Budapest Hotel."
As much as Swinton's acting skills earn her praise - she won a best supporting actress Oscar for her role in "Michael Clayton" - her red-carpet fashion statements have elevated her to icon status. On Thursday night, Swinton's look, complete with a chic blond mohawk hairdo, was nothing less than stunning. She was accompanied by her partner, Sandro Kopp
Rothko Chapel executive director Emilee Whitehurst, who moved to Houston from Austin, gushed over her six years working at the chapel and the significance of the night: "The Rothko Chapel is a Houston treasure and a symbol that Houston is an open and a tolerant place and values seeking the truth. It was such a privilege to enter Houston through the chapel. What better way to get to know this city."
After a VIP reception at the Houston Country Club, guests dined on seared marinated halibut with papaya caper salsa and grilled Texas boneless breast of quail, finishing with a pecan ball topped with hot fudge for dessert. A nightcap lounge and party followed with after-dinner music by the Gary Norian Trio and vocalist Bryan Anthony
Guests include Francie and Bob Crane, Greg Fourticq, Tatiana and Craig Massey with artist Angelbert Metoyer, Diane Lokey Farb and Susan and John de Menil
It seems like a wonderful film, judging by the trailer and clips I've seen
She can pull off anything.
