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Philbrook’s gardens moved inside on May 1 for the third biennial Garden Party, creating an enchanted setting where the plants came alive under a starry Rotunda sky. Co-chairs, Margo Dunbar and husband, Kent, and Diana Benien and husband, Jim, welcomed guests to the party celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Museum’s garden renovation.
The evening’s entertainment was provided from The Living Garden, an award winning live performance company seen at events across the USA and internationally, including The Grammy’s®. The featured performers were Vine to Vine and The Orchid. At first incognito the living vines, reaching a height from 9’ to 16’ tall, slowly animated and intertwined their way into the crowd to the delight of the guests. Vine to Vine gracefully created elegant and intriguing shapes, then crept forward to pose or wrap around themselves a tree, a post, a pole or the guests. The Orchid engaged all around her with a playful sense of exotic grace as she wove her way through the crowd.
Tulsa’s own Pat Gordon created a commissioned painting, Flowers from the Garden, which was auctioned during the evening. Jay Litchfield auctioned Gordon’s painting.
The Garden Party Sponsors included Magnificent Maple Sponsors, Margo and Kent Dunbar, The Helmerich Foundation, Sandra and Robert Norman, and Charles and Peggy Stephenson. Forever Pines Champagne Brunch Sponsors were Nancy and Peter Meinig. Beautiful Buckeyes Table Sponsors included Diana and Jim Benien, Gayle and Frank Eby, Bill Lobeck and Mayor Kathy Taylor and Julie and John Nickel. The Fragrant Magnolias Patrons were Cathey and Michael Barkley, Margery Bird, Mr. and Mrs. Philip C. Lauinger, Jr., Marilyn and Larry Lee and Jane and Bruce Weber. Flowering Dogwoods Patrons were Patty and Joe Cappy, Fulton and Susie Collins Foundation, Phyllis and George Dotson, Judy and Paul Kantor, Jay and Edward Lawson, Marian and Jim McCarthy, Sally and Richard Minshall, Jack and Margaret Neely, Elizabeth Peterson, Jerry and Barbara Ryan Ken and Debbie Selby, Jana Shoulders and Bob Soza, Rita and George Singer, Theda and Jon Werthen and Lacy and Al Whitehead. The Native Redbud Patron was Robin Ballenger.
Guests were served a 5-course meal prepared by Chef Tuck Curren of Biga and The Local Table. Wines were donated by Nickel & Nickel and Woodhouse Family Cellars.
Committee members for the garden events included Joanie Atkinson, Cathy Barkley, Laura Colgan, Susie Collins, Gayle Eby, Toni Garner, Sally Hughes, Holbrook Lawson, Anne Jones, Julie Mundt, Margaret Neely, Liz Peterson, Susan Thomas and Jane Weber.
On May 4 the Garden Brunch featured artist Pat Gordon, whose talk “FLOWERS: the MUSE, Thirty-five years of Painting Flowers” captivated the standing room only audience. Guests then strolled through the lush gardens while they enjoyed champagne garnished with fresh flowers. The luncheon was prepared by Chef Mark Villio of la Villa Restaurant. Wine was donated by Van Duzer Vineyards.
Garden Brunch Table Sponsors included Eileen Hewgley, The James D. and Cathryn M. Moore Foundation and The Oxley Foundation. The Garden Brunch Patron was Jane Sneed – The Sneed Foundation.
Mary Lou Daniel, Margo and Kent Dunbar, Donna Farrior, Jean and Jack Kelley, Beverly Lindsay and Sali Weingartner donated to Reforest Gardens. Donations were made by Irene and Stan Burnstein, Judy Burton, Gayle and Frank Eby, Roxana and Bob Lorton, Nancy and Peter Meinig, Jon Stuart, Barbara and Jim Sturdivant, and Pat Wheeler.
Special thanks for both events went to Ace Cuervo, Jeffrey Evans Design, Dale Gillman, Greenleaf Nursery, Omni Lighting, Party Pro Rents and Toni’s Flowers.
These special events provide necessary funds for the ongoing public programs and operations of the museum.
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