Joy Donovan 
Colleyville estate is picture-perfect for Arts League fete
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
For a while, it looked like maybe we'd join Toto in the Land of Oz, but we escaped all that, and the Arts League's Garden Party proceeded as scheduled.
The league's annual fundraiser for ARTSNET was held this year at the Colleyville estate of Cyndi Miller, even though the afternoon threatened, but never delivered, thunderstorms for this arty event. I might be exaggerating, but with the humidity closing in on 100 percent, we were able to see who the naturally curly-haired girls were. Trust me -- I'm an expert. When the humidity gets that high and you're outside, no mega-hold, super-hold or ultra-hold hairspray can fight it. Among those with curly locks were Terri Gill and Lee Koch, both of Colleyville, and event chairwoman Sally Nees of Bedford.
As a sculptor formed a bust of a child and a watercolorist created a painting of fall leaves, the women chatted on the Millers' vast patio ... perfecting the art of conversation. As Colleyville's Betty Sanders, looking fetching in her chapeau, wondered if everyone had decided not to wear hats, as is often the norm for this outdoor gathering, Shonda Schaefer of Grapevine was dodging handshakes because of a bandaged and banged-up thumb. Darla Dennison was looking tan (as always), but this time it was from recent Costa Rican sun.
The food stood in as another work of art, although the number of patrons there to admire it seemed decidedly fewer than in years past. Arts League members showcased the culinary arts with a beautiful display of tea sandwiches cut into flower shapes and desserts, including a candy-covered "mouse." The masterpiece? It was Hurst resident Jackie Railsback's fruit display fashioned into a basket. Have you ever seen kiwi fruit and grapes transformed into a handle?
Sunny side up. Mayor William D. Tate will host a Mayor's Breakfast for sponsors, volunteers and supporters of Main Street Days, the festival opening today and running through Sunday in downtown Grapevine.
Hizzoner will speak about what the festival is doing to "go green" this year, with special initiatives to encourage environmental friendliness.
Awards will be going out to the Grapevine Lions Club, the city's oldest service organization, recognizing its upcoming 75th anniversary. Also honored will be John Dalri and Brim Cary, both Grapevine residents, who will get a double dose of whatever they're serving, green or not. They "create imagery and ambiance" for the festival. Translation? They put up the signs for all the city's festivals.
Party uncorks funds. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's coffers are a bit heavier after the recent North Texas Wine Opener. The sold-out event held at the Flower Mound Equestrian Center raised $271,000.
The March party, featuring gourmet food and Terrazas de los Andes wines, drew more than 700 guests.
jdonovan@star-telegram.com
