Party Girl 09.01.10

A ribbon cutting marked the grand opening reception of St. Pierre's Center for the Arts, an art therapy studio for individuals with developmental disabilities. This beautiful space on Vermilion Street has undergone a first-class renovation, complete with newly painted walls, polished floors, crown molding, antique interior windows and contemporary track lighting showcasing the art gallery's pieces. As guests sipped owner Josette Hargett's fantastic frozen pomegranate martinis, they perused artworks ranging from a big-haired image of Amy Winehouse to a remarkably detailed drawing of Nottoway Plantation. Jolie's Louisiana Bistro and Blue Dog Café provided the marvelous munchies. Among those admiring the impressive digs and designs were André Fruge, and mother-daughter artists Kai and Camilla Drobish.

Cheers to this year's sold-out Martinis and Madness, Healing House's most successful fundraiser ever. This event has grown so much that it was relocated to spacious River Oaks for the 2010 season. Event Rental's Richard Young and Tressie Cox transformed the ballroom into an eye-popping extravaganza, with giant martini glasses overflowing with flowers, confetti-sprinkled tablecloths, neon slip-covered chairs, an Absolut Vodka ice sculpture and even a martini hologram beaming on the wall. Guests sipped on teeny tunies specially created for the event by Lafayette's finest restaurants and grazed on River Oak's filling fare including spicy jambalaya, creamy bowtie pasta and pretty petit fours. Afterwards, the dance floor was packed with partygoers dancing to the sounds of 5th Avenue. Bonefish Grill's refreshing watermelon martini captured the Judge's award, while Pamplona's tangy blackberry lemonade concoction was the People's Choice.

Party On!