Menil Park’s Magical Oaks Set the Houston Party Scene — a $400,000 Night For the Museum

T he evening had just hit golden hour when people began arriving at The Menil Collection ‘s fifth annual Party in the Park . Co-chairs Katie and Jeff Brannigan, Kelly and Russell Hamman, Emily Kirby and Ben Ackerley, and Olivia and Edward Persia welcomed 400 art lovers to Menil Park for a gorgeous outdoor soiree.

The park’s majestic live oaks were draped with twinkling lights and crystal chandeliers. Event designer Bergner & Johnso n drew inspiration from the neighborhood’s crepe myrtle trees, decorating each bar and dinner table with seasonal flowers: tulips, ranunculus and coxcomb in shades of pink, white, yellow and green.

A cocktail hour kicked off the evening, during which museum supporters mingled while admiring the luscious greenery and Menil Park’