Dandy

Dandy is an active penguin who likes to keep his days full; his weeks are thus often packed with various social and cultural activities, as well as meetings and other less exciting things. Last week’s socializing began with a happy hour at the Mayflower Hotel in honor of National Philanthropy Day. The event was organized by The Cotillion, a group that highlights and promotes philanthropic and cultural enrichment activities, with a mission to cultivate the next generation of charitable givers. Dandy enjoyed meeting numerous people involved in different causes around town, and is looking forward to the group’s inaugural gala next year. Tuesday was meeting filled, so Dandy’s social life resumed on Wednesday, with the 1869 Society’s Cultural Cocktails at the Hamiltonian Gallery. There he enjoyed some wine and catching up with friends, while perusing works by Elena Volkova (Proofs) and Renee Van Der Stelt (Recordings).


Dandy was out and about again Thursday evening, when he attended the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America’s Cupcakes and Cocktails fundraiser. The event was not too exciting, but who is he to complain when faced with an evening of sampling sweets. He greatly admired the beautiful cupcakes from Cupcakes Actually, but his favorite was the mint julep concoction from Zola. Dandy (wisely) believes that one can never go wrong by adding a bit of alcohol to one’s baked goods.


Friday Dandy waddled over to the National Gallery of Art to do some research in its library. Before heading home he made certain to see the exhibition Arcimboldo, 1526-1593: Nature and Fantasy. He is a great fan of Arcimboldo and loved seeing the numerous works, and thought the Philp Haas Arcimboldo inspired sculpture was quite fabulous. Dandy was in the mood for a bit more culture, so that evening he made his way to the Kennedy Center to see the Suzanne Farrell Ballet. Although he enjoyed the performance he is partial to the Washington Ballet (what can he say, he’s a loyal guy). In fact it was off to the Washington Ballet studios on Saturday to volunteer (and shop, of course) at the Sugar Plum Holiday Bazaar. He loves to shop, and what better incentive than knowing that 20% of sales would go to one of his favorite organizations in town. Dandy also enjoyed the Bazaar’s reception, catered by June B Sweet. He loved all of her tasty little treats and happily devoured numerous macarons (amongst other things) and a glass (or two) of bubbly.


It was then off to a friend’s birthday party. Dandy had hoped to be responsible and get home early, as he had lots of packing to do for his upcoming trip, and planned to head to the Bazaar for its second day. However, things don’t always go as planned…what can he say, when dancing is involved he just can’t say no!

Olga

Olga is a social butterfly; she loves nothing more that to put together a fabulous outfit and head out for a night on the town. That said, she does admit it’s been a bit harder to motivate lately, as she’s only slowly getting used to the colder temperatures.


Olga is also a very refined penguin, and she favors events with a cultural element. Wednesday night she found herself at the National Gallery of Art (such a civilized place) for a reception and viewing of the exhibition The Pre-Raphaelite Lens: British Photography and Painting, 1848-1875. As usual it was an elegant affair with bubbly and lots of delectable treats, including a rather tasty mushroom crepe cake, which she admits to having had more than one serving of (restraint is so overrated, and she knows she can always spend a little extra time in the gym). She did unfortunately miss out on most of the desserts, which were devoured while she spent her time gossiping with friends.


Thursday Olga braved the rain and made her to the Kennedy Center for a performance of the Washington Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet. She enjoyed the production, in particular the lavish costumes and dramatic scenes (what can she say, she’s an over the top kind of gal). After the performance she waddled over to the Guarisco Gallery for the opening night party. While she cannot say that she was a fan of the art, she had the most wonderful time catching up with Washington Ballet supporters, dancers and staff over a glass or two of red wine, and lots of mini ice cream cones filled with different flavors of mousse. Not a particularly healthy dinner, but what can she say, you only live once.


It was another night of art on Friday, when Olga attended the FotoWeek opening party at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. She enjoyed checking out the diverse photography, which included exterior and interior projections, and caught up with lots of people she hadn’t seen in a while (over some not too good Cava…but what can she say, if it has bubbles she’ll drink it).


Saturday night Olga made a quick stop by Irvine Contemporary for the opening of Street/Studio 2.0; she was able to peruse the show and catch up with a few friends before making her way to the French Embassy for its annual champagne tasting. She wasn’t overly impressed with the event, which lacked ambiance, but who is she to complain as there is little she loves more than bubbly, and she was able to try lots of it.

After a busy alcohol filled and nutrient deficient week Olga very much appreciated the extra hour that came with the time change, as there’s nothing like a longer lazy Sunday to get one ready for another busy week.

Tuxedo Sam

Tuxedo Sam is the most dapper of penguins; he loves to don his finest attire and head out for fabulous nights on the town. This past Wednesday (a busy one) he made his way to the Washington Ballet for a party hosted by the Women’s Committee. The atmosphere was festive, complete with nutcrackers (to get everybody excited for the holiday bazaar being held the weekend before Thanksgiving), cupcakes from Frosting, and a cake inspired by the upcoming season’s Rock & Roll Ballet. Sadly Tuxedo Sam could not stay for the rehearsal, as he had to dash off to his next event, the Washingtonian’s 2010 Style Setters party at the Phillips Collection. Tuxedo Sam had a great time checking out the (in most cases) fashionable ensembles, while gossiping with friends and indulging in a cocktail or two.


After a lazy rainy Thursday (waddling around the flooded streets of DC is not his idea of fun), Tuxedo Sam was ready to get out and about. He began his weekend activities at the art filled Pink Line Project headquarters, where he enjoyed treats and bubbly, and then it was on to the Corcoran for the NOW at Night fundraiser, thrown by the museum’s Contemporaries.


The museum looked great, and there were lots of cocktails to be had (he loved the Pisco Sidecar and Basil Smash), as well as snacks being served on a moving conveyor belt (he might just have grabbed a few plantain chips as they passed by him). The fashionista that Tuxedo Sam is, he enjoyed checking out everybody’s dresses, and noted that there were many blue ones inspired by Spencer Finch’s My Business, With the Cloud, the inaugural exhibition of NOW at the Corcoran, a series that presents new and site-specific works by emerging and mid-career artists. His only complaint was the lack of dancing, but at least he was able to hit the dance floor for a song or two.


The following morning Tuxedo Sam had to pull himself together earlier than he would have liked in order to catch a train to Philadelphia for a law firm retreat (as a guest, of course; he is a man of leisure). The activities were held at the Ritz, where sadly the service was not quite as impressive as the lovely lobby bar. He donned his fine apparel once again for the formal dinner; as usual it was the standard vegetarian pastry parcel, but that did leave more room for dessert (Tuxedo Sam always loves a good dessert buffet). He also enjoyed more than his share of bubbly, but was not too impressed that the Ritz thinks it is okay to serve his drink of choice in wine glasses. That said, he is always one to look on the bright side, and it did mean he got bigger pours!


On Sunday, before heading back to Washington, Tuxedo Sam wanted to see a little bit of the city, so he waddled over from his hotel to the incredibly large Philadelphia Museum of Art. He loved Inci Eviner’s Nouveau Citoyen, and enjoyed walking around the numerous period rooms (if only he could have taken some of the furniture home with him).


Of course no Sunday is complete without treats, so after he got his dose of culture he enjoyed a not too healthy lunch at Joe’s Pizza, followed by frozen yogurt from Sweet Ending. He had what is certainly amongst the best peanut butter frozen yogurt he’s tried, and he also really liked the cream cheese and pumpkin spice flavors. While he can never get enough of frozen treats, he is very happy that it is pumpkin dessert season. Guess he’ll just have to amp up his workouts!

Dottie

Dottie is a social girl who loves meeting her friends for coffee dates and nights out on the town. The latter tend to involve arts related events (what can she say, she’s a highly cultured penguin). Wednesday night she stopped by a Smithsonian Young Benefactors and Choral Arts Society Happy Hour at Hemphill Fine Arts. There she caught up with friends and checked out works by Steven Cushner and William Willis, escaping before any of the usual on the prowl not so young benefactors tried to start up a conversation with her. Thursday evening she attended a Corcoran Gallery of Art reception at a board member’s Watergate apartment. It was a lovely evening, and she had a wonderful time chatting with Corcoran staff and checking out the diverse private collection. She was particularly thrilled to encounter some penguin friends – the collector obviously has fabulous taste in art.


Thursday was a very social day; Dottie also caught up with a friend at Soho Tea & Coffee. They hadn’t seen each other in a while so there was lots of gossip to be had (and Dottie loves her gossip). She was also able to talk fashion with one of Soho's regulars, although she’s not certain the biker chic look is for her.


Dottie is a somewhat vain penguin, and knows that an active social life can take its toll on one’s figure. She is not willing to cut back on going out, so she makes certain to hit the Sports Club LA as often as possible. She forces herself to take definitions classes a few times a week as she’s not the greatest fan of weights (or squats for that matter).


Otherwise she can be found on the cardio machines reading a trashy magazine (she has to keep up on celebrity gossip too, after all).

Corkie

Corkie likes nothing more than an evening of culture and cocktails, and he indulges in them as often as possible. This past Thursday he attended the opening night of the Washington Ballet’s Bolero(+). He thoroughly enjoyed Edwaard Liang’s Wunderland and Nicolo Fonte’s Bolero. He wasn’t as excited by Brahms on Edge (a world premiere), but he admits that had a lot to do with his general dislike of Brahms. After the performance he made his way to the opening night party, an easy trek as the festivities took place at the Harman Center. He had fun catching up with various people while noshing on tasty tapas and sweet treats (with a glass of wine, naturally). Of course he had to stay until the very end…he certainly didn’t want to risk bumping into the hockey fans leaving the game across the way at the Verizon Center!


Friday night Corkie went to one of his favorite events of the year, the Corcoran Ball. He loves how the galleries of the Corcoran are transformed – each one has a different theme with different table settings (Sandra Lee would be impressed by the tablescapes). He dined in the extremely fun and festive Project Runway inspired room (his table was wearing heels and he was surrounded by fabulous gowns).


Corkie very much enjoyed chatting with the couple from LA that was seated next to him, and for once had an incredibly tasty vegetarian meal (no mushy vegetables/plate of carbs).


After dinner he chatted with friends, had another glass or two or more of bubbly, and danced the night away. Again, he was among the last to leave (this time no excuses…what can he say, he just doesn’t like to see a good party end!).

Snappy

Snappy is a fashionable guy, always dressed to the nines. He’s constantly searching for something new and fabulous to wear, opting for the unique over following the latest trends. In fact, he’s developed quite a vintage habit lately. Snappy is also a great fan of dogs (even though they are not quite as cute as penguins), so he knew he couldn’t miss the Fashion for Paws fundraiser at the Italian Embassy. The event, which raises money for the Washington Humane Society, features a fashion show where both people and animals strut their stuff. Snappy had a great time watching the pups (who of course stole the show from their human companions) and mingling with friends. There was also bubbly to be had and yummy Mediterranean treats (all vegetarian!) from Morso.


As usual Snappy was one of the last to leave, but he wisely skipped out on the after party and headed home to get some sleep. It had been, after all, a busy fun filled week. Among the highlights was the Tuesday night opening of Helios: Eadweard Muybridge in a Time of Change at the Corcoran. Not surprisingly Snappy spent more time socializing than perusing the art, but he knows he’ll be back there soon. He also spent a fair amount of time at the rather yummy dessert buffet – it included chocolate peanut butter parfaits, ginger white chocolate macaroons and chocolate covered salted caramels, among other things. He also enjoyed Friday night’s Hapi Hapi Hour at the Textile Museum, organized by the Pink Line Project. It was a great crowd and a festive atmosphere, complete with live music, Harajuku girls, interesting exhibitions, and, of course, the always necessary adult beverages.

Twinkles

Twinkles loves to socialize for a good cause - luckily for him that’s an easy thing to do in Washington. On Thursday he headed to one of his favorite places in the city, The Mexican Cultural Institute, for a reception in honor of The Trust for the National Mall. The charming Mexican Ambassador and his wife are the honorary co-chairs of this year’s Ball on the Mall, thrown by the group’s young supporters, the L’Enfant Society. Twinkles loves all things Mexican, so he is hoping the gala fundraiser will have some Mexican touches. He did hear a rumor that there would be margaritas… He enjoyed various Mexican treats at the reception – the vegetable platter had jicama (which he loves but is too lazy to buy, peel and chop for himself), and, much to his delight, they actually had a vegetarian option on the platter of mini tamales (he really really loves tamales).


Saturday Twinkles went to one of his other favorite places in Washington, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, for the 1869 Society’s Artini. Twelve local mixologists took part in the month long event, creating cocktails inspired by works from the Corcoran’s current exhibition Turner to Cézanne: Masterpieces from the Davies Collection, National Museum of Wales. The drinks were (for the most part) rather tasty and wonderfully accessorized. The concoction from SEI came with an edible flower, the Tabard Inn’s with an absinthe meringue,


and PS7’s was adorned with cotton candy (inspired by Degas’ The Dance Class). As hard as it may be to believe, especially given the wide array of choices, Twinkles might just have had a few too many. When not sampling martinis he could be found gossiping with friends and dancing the night away to the music of DJ Chris Nitti. Needless to say he did not have too productive of a Sunday, but then again he’s gotten pretty used to that being the case.

Checkers

Checkers had been going rather stir crazy lately, cooped up in the apartment for much of February due to the area’s record snowfall. On Monday, badly in need of some socializing and culture, he finally braved the slippery sidewalks and made his way to the Chilean Ambassador’s lovely residence for Art, Vino and Empanadas. The event, a fundraiser for the Art Museum of the Americas, was thrown by “The Friends” of the museum, a group he has recently become involved with and greatly enjoys. He had a fabulous time catching up with friends, meeting new people and admiring the art, especially the works of Roberto Matta. He also very much enjoyed the vino (hard to go wrong with a Chilean red), but was sadly not able to sample the empanadas as there were no vegetarian ones (perhaps a good thing for his gym toned figure).


Two days later Checkers made his way up to the Washington Ballet for one of his favorite events, the Jeté Society’s beerandballet. He’s not really a beer guy but loves the open rehearsals (this time for The Great Gatsby), as they allow him to watch the dancers up close and observe the real physicality of ballet. He cannot wait for the performance next week and encourages everybody to get tickets (and to come to the next beerandballet on May 12).


Thursday Checkers dropped by the Corcoran Gallery of Art’s 1869 Society Cultural Cocktails, held at the Renaissance Washington Hotel's M Bar. The hotel displays works by students of the Corcoran College of Art + Design, and many of the artists were present and mingling, including the very friendly and talented Hernan Gigena. Checkers had yet another wonderful evening of socializing and art, and it's not even the weekend. He has to make up for lost time, after all!

Kris

Like Z, Kris is a great fan of Christmas. Amongst the things he enjoys the most about the season are its many sweet treats (Dairy Queen’s candy cane chill Blizzard is a favorite). He is also quite the baker, and looks for any excuse to make Christmas cookies. This past Sunday he took the train to Fredericksburg to help his family with their holiday baking.


The trip gave him the chance to check out the Norwegian Christmas at Union Station. The festive decor put him in the mood for baking, resulting in a very productive afternoon, and a kitchen filled with sugar cookies, jam thumb prints and white chocolate and peppermint cookie brittle.


Kris returned to DC the following day for a Christmas party at the Corcoran. He first met a friend for a gossip date at Caribou Coffee, and after they were up to date on the latest happenings in each other’s lives they wandered down to the Corcoran, where they indulged in bubbly and yummy treats.


Kris was particularly fond of the peanut butter chocolates with pop rocks, and consumed more than his fair share. Some people might think he should be counting his calories and watching his sugar intake, but what’s festive about that?

Z

The penguins love December; they know that the holiday season is their season. One of the biggest Christmas lovers of them all is Z, and every year he eagerly awaits the holiday festivities and merriment. He loves the decorations that transform the streets, stores and homes, and was thus very happy to receive an invitation from the Corcoran for a tour of the Danish Ambassador's residence. The home’s lovely decorations are the result of a collaboration between two students from the Danish School of Design and three from the Corcoran College of Art + Design.


They were inspired by the Danish fairy tale The Snow Queen, and made using only sustainable materials. Z was most impressed by their ability to transform such unglamorous materials into a winter wonderland. He also appreciated the Danish hospitality, but then he’s easily won over with a party favor (in this instance some Danish chutney).


Z’s evening continued at the Smithsonian Castle, where he attended the Young Benefactors’ Jolly Holiday party. He mingled with guests, said hi to Santa and enjoyed sweet and savory treats.


He danced the night away and not surprisingly closed the party down (leaving with more party favors). While others may practice moderation knowing that it’s going to be a long party filled-holiday season, Z knows that's not necessary, and that he’s man for the job!

Pom

Pom, like many of his friends, likes nothing more than art and socializing, and luckily for him there is no shortage of events that combine the two in Washington. He started this past weekend’s art and socializing activities Thursday evening, with a Corcoran Contemporaries event, one of a series where local art patrons open up their homes and collections to members. He happened to know the two fabulous art collector hosts, and was happy to finally have the opportunity to see their diverse collection. Art made its way into every corner of their apartment, including the bathroom, where Pom admired a soap on a rope sculpture by Sebastian Martorana.


Friday Pom hit some of the openings being held in conjunction with FotoWeek DC. He started out at the Smith Farm Center for Healing and the Arts, where he saw Dulce Pinzón’s The Real Story of the Superheroes, a satirical documentary style exhibition consisting of pictures of Mexican immigrants in New York City, wearing superhero garb in their daily work environments. He then went to the Hamiltonian Gallery to check out the exhibition of works by Anne Chan and Michael Dax Iacovone, and to Project 4, to see the work of local ceramic artist Laura Lukaszewski (which he loved).


Pom decided to end his evening early, as he was anticipating a drunken Saturday night at the Transformer Gallery silent auction and benefit party, and would need his beauty sleep.


Pom predicted correctly - he had a grand time at the party, held at the Mexican Cultural Institute. Sadly he did not win the work by Melissa Dickenson that he had his eye on, but he enjoyed perusing the art, and admired the Day of the Dead décor still up at the institute.


And of course there was the bubbly and the dancing…luckily Pom is a wise penguin and knows not to make plans for post-party Sundays.

Wally

Wally likes to party for a good cause; he takes full advantage of the DC social season, maintaining a schedule packed with galas and other parties. A recent highlight was Fall Fête, the Corcoran 1869 Society’s party benefiting ArtReach, a program that extends the services of the Corcoran to underserved communities in Washington. Wally started the evening at a friend’s pre-party/birthday/engagement celebration, where he enjoyed good company, a glass of bubbly and some treats. He then headed off to the Corcoran for more socializing and bubbly, as well as dancing. The party was great fun (although he did not appreciate the long drink lines), and, as usual, he stayed until the very end.


It took Wally a good day to recover (he’s going to need practice to get through the holiday season), but after some detoxing and sleep he was back to his social self. On Tuesday he stopped by the launch of the Washington Ballet’s book Wonderland, sponsored by Capitol File and Foxhall Builders.


Wally had already purchased his personal copy of the ever so lovely book, and will be getting many more to give as Christmas gifts. He had a fabulous time at the party, and loved the Wonderland themed playing card sugar cookies. He also enjoyed checking out the 1801 Foxhall model property…now if only he could find a new home of his own!

Jones

Jones is a great supporter of the arts, and more often than not can be found at fundraisers, openings and performances around town. A penguin of great energy, he often goes to multiple functions in an evening. One of his favorite local cultural organizations is the Washington Ballet, and this past Wednesday he attended a membership night for its Women’s Committee (he thought they might be in the market for a mascot).


He enjoyed socializing and munching on the yummy homemade treats, and put in his order for the beautiful book Wonderland, which highlights great works presented by the Washington Ballet, and gives a glimpse into the backstage life of the dancers. Jones unfortunately had to leave before the open rehearsal of Don Quixote, as he had double booked himself that evening. Luckily he has a subscription, and will be able to see the performance in a few weeks.


Jones’ second stop was the Corcoran Gallery of Art, one of his favorite local spots, for the opening of the Edward Burtynsky exhibition Oil. He liked the photographs, and enjoyed socializing with other patrons over a glass (or two) of wine. He was slightly frightened by the catering (lots of meat on a stick and sausage bites), and thought that the speakers went on for too long, but he still had a wonderful time, and can’t wait until his next trip to the Corcoran.