Marie Selby Botanical Gardens paints with the colors of the sun
Orchid Ball 2019: Gauguin's Sunset in Paradise was held Feb. 9.
By
Kayleigh Omang
| 3:15 p.m. February 9, 2019
Black Tie
Share
The sun may have set by the time guests arrived at the sold-out Orchid Ball, but the colors of the sun still shined warmly Feb. 9 at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
The theme, “Gauguin’s Sunset in Paradise,” set the tone for the evening, during which more than 550 guests dressed in reds, oranges and yellows were welcomed by Tiki torches and statues. The theme coincided with the living museum’s “Gauguin: Voyage to Paradise” exhibit, of which eventgoers got a sneak peek. The exhibit is now open to the public.
A drizzle of rain moved guests under the tent a little early, but that didn’t stop the party. A few guests started the dance party early with The Robert Williamson Band and Jared Violin.
The first course was served on a scallop shell, followed by a tropics-inspired main course and a conch dessert to follow. The paddle raise was held during dinner to raise funds for the organization’s Family Togetherness Program. This program helps provide children a chance to see the gardens and learn about the holistic benefits of nature that they might not get otherwise.
The ball ended with more dancing to a live band and an after-party in Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens.
Mike Wilson with CEO and President Jennifer and Rob Rominiecki
Co-Chairwomen Liebe Gamble, Kate Hollingsworth, Ashley Kozel and Emily Stroud
Co-Chairwomen Liebe Gamble, Kate Hollingsworth, Ashley Kozel and Emily Stroud
Hermione Gilpin and Donna Koffman
Tom and Gwen Watson
William and Monique Paterson
Julie and Stan Grabarek
The Orchid Ball 2019 was inspired by the new exhibition Gauguin: Voyage to Paradise.
The Gauguin: Voyage to Paradise exhibition is open to the public Feb. 10.
Guests received a clam shell or a piece of coral on their plate.
The Orchid Ball 2019 was inspired by the new exhibition Gauguin: Voyage to Paradise.
The flowers ranged from light to dark to mimic a sunset.
Melanie and Troy Williams
Etinne and Kim Bleach
Clara Reynardus de Villanueva and Roberto Villanueva with Jaime and Adam Still
Camile and Stefan Campagna
Karen Turner, Debbie Partridge and Leah Cotter
Sepi and Ryan Ackerman
Heather Dunhill and Ted Meekma
Wengay and Melissa Newton
The Gauguin: Voyage to Paradise exhibition features tapa cloth, masks, tikis, bamboo and canoes.
Anne Virag, Judy Cahn and Brian Lipton
Karen Misantone, Mike and Tina Granthon and Danielle and Nick Roberts
Patrick and Bernice Hebda
Margaret Wise and Teri A. Hansen
Sally Schule, Mark Walker and Ariane Dart
Erica Greggory, Lori Moran and Janelle Beruff
Alyssa Esteban, Jordan Oliveira-Heller and Christina Valastin-Fraser
After guests were ushered under the tent, a few braved the dance floor before dinner.
The first course was a ceviche served in a scallop shell.
Jared Violin played music throughout dinner.
Dessert was a chocolate conch shell.
Shelby White and Mette Gauguin
NK Productions helped with the event.
Guests received a bundle of flowers as they exited for the evening.
