CB Wismar reports from Torrington. Billed as “festive and very merry,” the Dec. 6 "Deck The Halls" Martini Tasting Party hosted by Five Points Gallery certainly lived up to its promotion. Revelers bought tickets for the opportunity to sample, mix and mingle with fellow partygoers amid the stunning artwork at the gallery. Five Points’ mission, beyond being an active gallery presenting professional artists, is to nurture artists and empower a diverse community. FISH NWCT (Friends in Service to Humanity of Northwestern Connecticut, Inc.), the other gala beneficiary, provides the most basic human needs — food, shelter and hope — by supplying a safe and secure haven for families, individuals and veterans. A silent auction table enticed guests to add to the evening's festivities, and an exhaustive display of cocktail shakers collected by Tim Bouthillier inspired many nostalgic and appreciative comments. The big draw, however, was the amply stocked martini bar where guests could sample from a wide range of styles and flavors, all the while benefiting the local community. [Above: Judith McElhone, founding executive director of Five Points Gallery; Deirdre Houlihan DiCara, executive director of FISH NWCT, and Cara Houlihan Blazier, a volunteer with FISH.]
Rit O'Donald, owner of the Ritz Crystal Room in Torrington, Carol O'Donald and George Craig;Sharyn Nickelson, Aaron Kovalchik, Tim Bouthillier, cocktail shaker collector, and Mike Kovalchik.
"Let's Talk Torrington" editor Ed Cannata, Pennie Steinberg and Stacey Caren.
Kathy Corsetti, Anne Marchand, Jeff Geddes and Sheila L'Vain; Guests enjoy a well-stocked martini bar.
Just part of the collection from Tim Bouthillier's "The Art of the Cocktail" display of martini shakers.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
