2nd annual Off Kilter

You know it’s going to be a good party when a flurry of feathered carnivale dancers tapped their toes to the beat of the Timbeleza band getting partygoers such as Mark Flaherty out on the dance floor and within seconds he’s wearing one of their fluffy boas around his neck. “Now this is a party!” I heard more than one guest say as they filled the Carnegie Museum of Art’s main floor for the second annual Off Kilter. Last year’s theme was posh-punk, but this year the theme headed south of the border — all the way to Brazil. “We want to keep people ‘off kilter’ so to speak with this annual event, so that you never know what exactly we have in store,” said president of the Carnegie Museums, Jo Ellen Parker (with husband Rick Manasa).

Last year, partygoers were treated to a sit-down dinner in the Hall of Sculpture with decadent centerpieces on each table, reflecting the life and times of Andrew Carnegie. This year was more casual, with a strolling supper of tasty South American-inspired treats and incredible floral arrangements by Hens and Chicks. But why Brazil? “It was (CMOA director) Lynn Zelevansky’s dream to bring the ‘Helio Oiticica: To Organize Delirium’ to us, and why not throw a party that embraces the culture and spirit of the exhibition?” added Ms. Parker. Judging by the crowd’s reaction, it’s good to be off kilter!

#SEEN: Event co-chairs Melissa Ferrari, Jessica O’Brien, Coco Rudolf; president of the CMOA women’s committee Mary Margaret Stamy (with husband Lloyd) Lil Goldsmith, Peggy McKnight, #SEENBestDressed Michele Fabrizi in Proenza Schouler, Bill and Vivian Benter, Gisele Fetterman (in a Lana Neumeyer design), Fred and Lana Neumeyer, Jerry Montesano and Antoinette DePasquale, Gus and Annie Engel, Rhoda Neft, Wallis Katz, Eric Dorfman, Sarah Minnaert and Mary McKinney.