A new exhibition of the Louisiana State Museum, entitled “Chasing the Butterfly Man: The Search for a Lost New Orleans Cabinetmaker, 1810-1825,” celebrates the genius work of an unknown New Orleans cabinetmaker for the repetitive use of a butterfly-shaped joint. Guests at the “Founders Ball” were the first to see the exhibit before its public opening.
Hurricane glass-covered candles lined the Cabildo’s grand staircase. Special effects lighting created an ethereal glow. Faux birch trees adorned with moss, twinkling lights and fluttering silk butterflies were placed around the room. The legacy of the late Joy Nalty Hodges was honored due to her years of devotion and leadership with the Louisiana Museum Foundation. Dr. Jack and Patsy Holden were honored for their lifelong dedication to the preservation of Louisiana’s history and Louisiana Museum Foundation. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser addressed the crowd. Guests were welcomed to the melodies of harpist Jessie Metz on the second floor gallery. The all-female electrified stringed Virtuosa Quartet headlined on the third floor.
Dickie Brennan & Co. catered the evening’s cuisine, which offered a charcuterie station, numerous hand passed hors d’ oeuvres and special seafood delicacies. All seafood dishes were donated and made by the Louisiana Seafood Board. Produce for the various dishes was provided by Gulf Coast Produce. All bars were sponsored by the Goldring Family Foundation and featured Sazerac products and wines from Republic National Distributing Company. A specialty bar of Old Fashioneds was provided by the Sazerac Company. The event featured a small silent auction of eight high-end items, including an original Hunt Slonem painting featuring butterflies, an in-home design experience with Leontine Linens founder and Ball Co-Chair Jane Scott and a Victorian necklace donated by Adler’s.
Jane Scott and Phillip Hodges, and Sweet and Ben Dupuy served as Co-Chairs. Major sponsors included Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Patrick, Eugenie and Joseph Merrick Hones Family Foundation, Mrs. H. Mortimer Favort Jr., Goldring Family Foundation, The Helis Foundation and IBERIABANK.
Event at a Glance
What: “Founders Ball,” benefiting Louisiana Museum Foundation
When: Friday, November 22, 2019
Where: The Cabildo
Honorees Dr. Jack and Patsy Holden with Susan and Bob Judice
Semmes and Catherine Favrot with Steve and Denise Finegan
Tommy Westervelt and Dorothy Clyne
Melissa Steiner, Dickie Brennan and Kristin Fary
Museum Interim Director Steven Maklansky and Curator Cybèle Gontar
