Nick Verreos Gets ARTrageous! at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washignton DC

ARTrageous Nicky!
Draping Buddies: Designer Nick Verreos and Artist Karen LaMonte, stand next to LaMonte's sculpture, ARTrageous 2010

Last week, I flew to Washington DC to attend ARTrageous 2010, a fabulous annual gala in support of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery. The event was also celebrating the recently acquired artwork, Reclining Dress Impression with Drapery by sculptor Karen LaMonte. LaMonte lives and works in the Czech Republic--but made a special trip to DC for the unveiling. A very smart and eagle-eyed Smithsonian-ite recognized the similarities between LaMonte's draped glass-sculpture artwork and the tribute I pay to Grecian Goddesses in my NIKOLAKI Collection. Therefore we were both invited to be part of the unique Smithsonian American Art Museum party.Hotel Monaco Washington DC: Brownies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Fruit Plate and Classic Architecture

I checked in to the sophisticated Hotel Monaco DC, which is in a Historic restored all-marble building that happens to be conveniently located across from the Museum, where upon I was welcomed with a wonderful fruit plate, delicious brownies and chocolate cupcakes! (someone REALLY likes me at the Hotel Monaco DC!).DC Buddies: Nick Verreos and Ross Randall, Smithsonian American Art Museum ARTrageous! 2010 Party

I settled in and got dressed for the evening's gala, and headed out for the festivities. Awaiting me was Smithsonian Host-With-The-Most, Ross Randall, Development Officer of Major Gifts (love that title!) for the American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery. Throughout the evening--Ross became my Superstar DC Handler/Manager/Best Friend. I have definitely made a friend-for-life with Ross!Table Setting at the ARTrageous! 2010 Dinner

The evening began with a pre-dinner "Cocktail and Hors d'oeuvres Hour" which quickly led to a delicious dinner comprised of a Fennel Soup starter and Quail main course. Dinner Snapshot from ARTrageous! 2010

Before the dinner, Smithsonian American Art Museum's Renwick Gallery Curator Nicholas Bell, moderated a very lively discussion with artist Karen LaMonte and myself. Think of James Lipton and Inside The Actors Studio. Nicholas was a much more handsome and fashionable Lipton, to say the least! Smithsonian Designer and Artist Studio: Nick Verreos, Karen LaMonte and Nicholas Bell chat it up at ARTrageous! 2010 Dinner

We "warmed up" the dinner guests with a fun and lively discussion of our mutual passions for Grecian Goddesses, draping and powerful women. I think the DC crowd loved my stories of my Diplomat US State Department/Foreign Service Officer father and my JLo-like mom while I spent my early childhood in Venezuela.Dinner Fashion: Nick Verreos and guests, ARTrageous! 2010

Following the dinner, guests were led into the stupendous Smithsonian American Art Museum Atrium, where LaMonte's Sculpture "held" Center Court. The party was in full swing as guests danced and mingled.Atrium Chic: A view of ARTrageous! 2010 party, in the Smithsonian American Art Museum Atrium

Of course, I did both! I had an amazing time at ARTrageous 2010 and I am humbled and honored to have been part of this great event. Rumor has it that it was a very successful night! I always have a great time in Washington DC and since this is was my THIRD visit, maybe I should start looking for a chic apartment in Georgetown! DC Beauties: Nick Verreos with guests at the ARTrageous! 2010 Party

At the end of the night, artist Karen LaMonte was so sweet that she even offered to make a one-of-a-kind sculpture out of one of my gowns. I certainly will have to take her up on that offer.

Click HERE for more fun photos from The Cotillion Online Blogsite.