Marie Selby Botanical Gardens puts on surrealist celebration with Orchid Ball
Orchid Ball: Expect the Unexpected was held Feb 8.
By
Harry Sayer
| 11:48 p.m. February 8, 2020
Black Tie
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Marie Selby Botanical Gardens took guests on a mind-bending journey during its annual Orchid Ball on Feb 8.
This year's "Expect the Unexpected" theme more than lived up to the name, with floating eyeballs, twisting patterns, and melting clocks covering large swaths of the garden. Guests arrived dressed in wild and colorful attire to match the occasion. The theme accompanied the museum's new "Salvador Dalí: Gardens of the Mind" exhibition, which celebrates the works and legacy of the legendary surrealist artist.
Guests spent a lengthy reception exploring the new exhibit and mingling over drinks. They eventually retired to a tent area for a dinner which included lobster tail, tiger prawn, filet mignon and a surprise Dali-inspired dessert. The night's paddle raise benefited Marie Selby Botanical's family and education programs. The night concluded with music and dancing.
Terri Klauber, Rochelle Nigri, Mandi Arthur, Kelly Romanoff and Kara Saunders
The gardens were full of surrealist imagery.
Co-Chairwomen Katie Hollingsworth and Ashley Kozel
Shelby White with Rob Rominiecki and President and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki
Donna Koffman, Elisabeth Waters, Jaclyn Brunckhorst
Ryan and Sepi Ackerman, Billy Gamble and Jill and Chris Melkin
Board Chair Pauline Wamsler and Allison Luzier
Gary and Barbara Stern with Lydia Dunbar and Darren Erickson
Sherry Koski, Flora Major and Margaret Wise
Laura Hine and Dr. Hank Hine
Michael and Terri Klauber with Sherry and Tom Koski
Mark Creech, Liz Stamoulis and Jay Berman
Harold Johnson and Krista Toomre
State Rep. Margaret Good, Audrey Robbins, Kay Mathers and Wendy Feinstein
Vidisha Patel, Carol Ockman and Peggy Waller
The cocktail hour had an intricate dance number.
Johanna and Lem Sharp
Renee Phinney and Glen Rieth
Dave and Kirstin Fulkerson
Larry and Debbie Haspel with Gail and Joe Morganroth
Michael and Mary Jane Hartenstine with John Wagner
Cornelia Matson
Brittany Wescott
Phillip Dickson and Gina Berry
Barrie and Hakan Sokmensuer
Sen. Joe Gruters and Sydney Gruters with Rep. Vern Buchanan
Steve and Lisa High with Dick Matson
Paula and Jake Sorg with Roxie Jerde
Tom Luzier, Roseanne Frano, Allison Luzier and Kurt Lucas
Jamie Becker and Amanda Morris with Brenda and Geoffrey Michel
David Munoz
Board Chair Pauline Wamsler
The tent area had a butterfly creation hanging overhead.
