Getting to the Colorado History Museum for the unveiling of sculptor Ed Dwight’s “Inauguration of Hope” was a real struggle. It was snowing, roads were slippery, temperatures were in the single digits; all in all, a night better suited for staying in than going out.
The effort was definitely worth it because it was not only the celebration of a work of art inspired by two historic events of immense proportion — Barack Obama’s accepting the Democratic nomination for president of the United States at Invesco Field and his subsequent inauguration — but a “last hurrah” for the museum building before it is torn down to make way for a new state judicial center. Construction of the museum’s new home at East 12th Avenue and Lincoln Street is expected to be finished in 2011.
The 300-plus guests included Doug and Marilyn Morton, who commissioned the sculptures; Bart Berger, chairman of the Colorado Historical Society board; Ed Nichols, the society’s president and chief executive officer; and representatives from the Smithsonian.
Others braving the elements were attorney Penfield Tate; former Denver Superintendent of Schools Evie Dennis with daughter Pia Smith; Rosemary Berry; Sheila Woolfolk, JoAnn Pegues; Sylvia Smith; Thelma Gash; Mary Washington; JoKatherine Page; Shirley Johnson; Minnie Utsey; Iris Hawkins, Happy Haynes; Dr. Daniel Marion Jr.; Scott Mitchell; Denver City Council members Carla Madison, Charlie Brown and Doug Linkhart; and Eric Lee, president of the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce.
Coming right up.
Time and money are precious commodities, and the leadership of Denver Ballet Guild doesn’t take either for granted. With that in mind, president Debra Duke enlisted Julie Kucera and Ann Hoffman to organize the thank-you brunch being held this morning at Amy Wissmann’s home in Cherry Hills Village. … Kathy Banning, Kama Linscome and Jearline “Jeri” Bass are the Jewels of the Community that Denver Area Youth Services is honoring at a jazz party that begins at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Dazzle. The $45 tickets can be purchased by calling 303-302-3273. … Fine Arts Foundation debutantes will model clothing from Mariel as part of the mother-daughter luncheon taking place Sunday at the Marriott Tech Center. … Two-time Grammy winners Ozomatli headline the Latin American Educational Foundation’s Gala 2010. It’s March 13 at the Sheraton Denver Downtown and tickets are available at 303-446-0541, ext. 12. … Also on March 13, Excelsior Youth Center is having its annual fundraiser at Palazzo Verdi in Greenwood Village. Festivities include a salute to “triumphant women” Kelly Brough, Sheryl Renee and Jolene Reynolds; live and silent auctions; and an international food tasting. Mia Berlin and Jennifer Williams are the co-chairs; Edie Marks is hosting the awards; and Colorado first lady Jeannie Ritter is the honorary chairwoman. Call 303-693-1550, ext. 331.
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also, and GetItWrite on Twitter
