The event on Sunday was quite special. Many local collectors along with the artist contributed paintings to the exhibit. In fact, according the museum director Kenneth Rodgers, this was one of the largest displays the museum has had and the largest number of collectors lending for an event.
Also, Williams made a rare public appearance at the opening. A North Carolina native, she is a self-taught artist whose works tell the story of African-American life in the South.
People began quickly arriving as soon as the opening started. At times, it seemed like a family reunion as people greeted one another. Barnetta White of Durham and Andre Vann took the time to catch up when they spoke at the event.
Art lovers came from Henderson, Oxford and Middleburg, as well as cities across the Triangle, to be a part of this exciting afternoon. Many of the art lenders were also present. Lonita Whitted of Durham, like many others, took the opportunity to talk to Williams and pose for pictures. Whitted is an avid art collector.
We heard words of welcome from Kenneth Rodgers, the director of the art museum. Rodgers then introduced NCCU Chancellor Charlie Nelms.
Nelms spoke about the university's ongoing centennial celebration and thanked Williams for sharing her works with the art museum.
The Ruth Russell Williams exhibit had been a long time coming, Rodgers said, pointing out that it began with a conversation more than five years ago.
Then we heard remarks from Williams, who said that she had never seen so many of her paintings in one place at the same time.
Following opening remarks, it was announced that there were a few paintings for sale by the artist. It did not take long before interested individuals began making purchases. In fact, several of the paintings were spoken for in a matter of minutes.
After the opening, there was a reception outside of the gallery. The Ruth Russell Williams exhibit will remain on display until Aug. 28.
NACE event
The Triangle Chapter of the National Association of Catering Executives, NACE, held its monthly gathering at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill Tuesday. This was a particularly special occasion as the Triangle chapter members recently returned from the national meeting of the organization, bringing home the Chapter of the Year Award.
NACE is the oldest and largest professional organization that encompasses all aspects of the catering industry. The NACE gathering on Tuesday was centered in the Old Wing of the hotel.
"Summertime at the Carolina Inn" was made up of four rooms styled and presented by members of the organization. One room featured a seven-layer wedding cake at its center anchored by decorations in each corner. The second room was designed more like a social gathering and featured a popcorn maker, a pool table and Dave Brown of Coastal Cigars making fresh cigars on the spot.
The main ballroom, where the meeting was held, prominently displayed colorful daybeds, a stage, two food stations and two bars. The final room, called the Ice Room, was put together by Sugarland bakery, and featured a gelato bar and a martini bar. Doc and Katrina Ryan, owners of Sugarland, served up samples of the chilled desserts.
The event was not all about food and style, though. Amy Greene, the special events coordinator for Spice Street Restaurant and active NACE member, was busy selling raffle tickets to benefit the organization's fundraising efforts. Suzanne Pesta stopped by the table to support the effort.
Each year, the Triangle chapter sponsors a community service fundraiser to benefit the Interfaith Food Shuttle's Backpack Buddies. Proceeds from the raffle, which included two tickets to see David Copperfield at the Durham Performing Arts Center, and a hot air balloon ride for two, will benefit the Backpack Buddies program. The drawing will be held next month.
At the beginning of the program, Triangle NACE President Mark Day addressed the crowd briefly before other members of the group made remarks. The program was short and then it was on to the music, provided by Mel Melton and the Wicked Mojos.
Brooke Fork and Alli Eidenmiller took in the music and fun together. Eidenmiller, who owns Sweet Memories Bakery, came to the event as a guest. Fork, on the other hand, is a new member of the organization, joining just two weeks earlier. Fork spoke highly of the group, stating it was a great organization.
Next up for the Triangle Chapter of NACE is its annual Top of the Table Design Challenge, which will be held Sept. 22 at Bay 7 on the campus of the American Tobacco Historic District.
Angela Ray is an actress, author and motivational speaker. For comments or tips on future events, e-mail her at Angela@mahoganydime.com.
