Under perfect Florida evening skies, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens provided a 15-acre backdrop for a gala right out of “Alice in Wonderland,” channeling artist Yayoi Kusama and her signature polka dots.
About 500 guests strolled the great lawn, which was transformed into a magical world with 15-foot-tall mushrooms decorated with dots in honor of Selby Gardens’ 50th Anniversary Orchid Ball: Infinity, and the opening of “Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O’Keeffe.”
While Kusama, now 94 and living in Japan, did not attend, her vibe was everywhere. Many guests wore polka-dot attire, including ascots, bowties, bags, gowns and suits.
Co-chairs Liebe Gamble and Ashley Kozel hired Nicole Kaney of NK Productions, who curated tables with polka-dot boxes, red sunglasses and Fausti Gilberti’s book, “Yayoi Kusama Covered Everything in Dots and Wasn’t Sorry.”
Proceeds from the event support Selby Gardens’ community education programs, international research, conservation, and world-class horticulture displays, while enabling thousands of underserved children and their families to connect with their bayfront sanctuaries.
Orchid Ball guests Rachel Durrani and Zelia and Martin Trueb are greeted by Rob Rominiecki and Selby Gardens CEO and Jennifer Rominiecki.
Photo by Janet Combs
Sandra and Dan O'Neill make a champagne entrance into the redesigned Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
Inspired by Yayoi Kusama's painting, "Eyes Flying in the Sky," Pearl DeBrular repurposed a $6 Goodwill dress with her own design to fit the theme of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' Orchid Ball.
Photo by Janet Combs
Caitlin Whiteaker, Julie Burton and Ashley Jimenez enjoy cocktail hour.
Photo by Janet Combs
These friends and local artists meet under the mushrooms for a photo, and include Robyn Holl, Marianne Chapel, Jen Kroeger and Barbara Gerdeman.
Photo by Janet Combs
Event co-chairs Liebe Gamble and Ashley Kozel
Photo by Janet Combs
Event planner Nicole Kaney of NK Productions with co-hostess Liebe Gamble.
Dr. Gregg Baran and wife, Cynthia
Photo by Janet Combs
Juliet and Alan Lodge with matching dress and bow-tie.
Michael's On East's Catering Queen Tracey MacCammack and Selby Associate VP for Event Operations Julie Burton
Photo by Janet Combs
Laura Thomas, Sarah Renkliyuz and Tammy Karp
Photo by Janet Combs
Richard Karp, David Sessions, Okay Renkliyuz and Toby Thomas
Photo by Janet Combs
Lisa and Richard Merrill with Bart and Joan Levenson.
Photo by Janet Combs
Donna Koffman with Michael and Terri Klauber
Photo by Janet Combs
Brad Goddard, Lisa Clucas and Karen and Steven Lee
Photo by Janet Combs
Alison Gardner and Jan Sirota
Photo by Janet Combs
Ashley Kozel and Marko Radisic
Photo by Janet Combs
Nicole Kaney and Dustin Stroth
Photo by Janet Combs
Tiara, Jeremy, and Alysha Shelby with Dean Piccirillo, John Angelos and Margaret Valentine
Photo by Janet Combs
Greg and Belle Stikeleather, Curtis Jordan, Paige Petersen, Paulo Davis, Marnie and Steven Grossman, and Charley LeGrande show off their polka-dots.
Photo by Janet Combs
Elisabeth Waters, Denys Laptiev, Trace and Melinda Woodbury, and Marko Radisic
Photo by Janet Combs
Cornelia Matson and Diane Roskamp
Photo by Janet Combs
Selby Gardens hosted the 50th Anniversary Orchid Ball: Infinity, with a theme inspired by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama who is recognized by her signature polka-dotted art and red hair.
Photo by Janet Combs
Michael Sibert, Sharon Woelfling, Jan Varvil and Scott Swan
Photo by Janet Combs
Sandi Casey and Chandler Pennington
Photo by Janet Combs
Allegra Buffington and Steve Levie
Photo by Janet Combs
Congressman Vern Buchanan and family include Matt, Diana, Lea and James.
Photo by Janet Combs
Audrey Robbins and Terri Klauber with Sepi and Ryan Ackerman
Photo by Janet Combs
Heather Kasten holds a book about contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama
Photo by Janet Combs
Kathy Gilkey and Gana Gilkey
Photo by Janet Combs
Peter Rothstein and Omar Guevara-Soto
Photo by Janet Combs
Kevin and Laura O'Donohue
Photo by Janet Combs
Richard Sandor's top hat was a hit, and wife Ellen enjoys her polka dot handbag.
Photo by Janet Combs
Joe and Sydney Gruters
Photo by Janet Combs
Gerry Fabrikant and Shelby White
Photo by Janet Combs
Diana and Matt Buchanan are getting in gear to welcome a new baby.
Photo by Janet Combs
Tom Taylor and Margaret Wise
James Buchanan and his wife, Lea.
Photo by Janet Combs
President and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Jennifer Rominiecki wore a vintage Monique L'huillier polka-dot gown that matched the Orchid Ball's Yayoi Kusama themed gala.
