03.29
Thursday night I shot the VIP party to celebrate the opening of the American Red Cross RED Pop-Up Gallery. As some of you know, I took a break from taking on new projects over the winter due to a family tragedy. I’ve slowly been easing back in and when I first got the call from the Red Cross asking me to document the event, I wasn’t sure I was up for it. After giving it some thought, I figured it was the perfect event for me to photograph to get my feet wet again. The Red Cross helps people when they are experiencing the worst time in their lives and it meant a lot to me that my first job back was contributing to an organization that does so much to help those in need.
Event organizers from the Red Cross did a terrific job transforming 159 W. Michigan Avenue into an amazing gallery space with artwork donated by local and not so local artists. The VIP party included music and a photo booth by Pro DJ’s, fantastic food from The Catering Company, flowers by Sweet Pea Fleur, accessories and furniture for lounging by Vermuelen’s Furniture and Anna’s and the talents of some amazing performance artists. The artwork will be on display and for sale through March 30th with proceeds benefitting our local American Red Cross Chapter and there’s some really amazing work so be sure to check it out. You can learn more about the gallery and the Red Cross by clicking here. Below is a sneak peek of photos from the VIP event. Enjoy!
Some of the amazing food by The Catering Company.
Bob Johnson, Executive Director of the South Central Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross, greets guests at the door.
These medals, created by Maggie Riggle with help from the event organizers, were presented to red and magenta level sponsors.
Debbie Crownover presents medals to sponsors.
John Lennox and one of his students entertained the crowds with a knife fight.
Belly dancer Tanya Ritzon balances a sword on her head while performing.
Jackson's Mayor, Karen Dunigan, arrives at the party.
A tiny sample of the great jewelry available for sale at the gallery.
Posters placed throughout the gallery space tell the stories of local individuals who have benefitted from Red Cross services.
Just one of the many yummy desserts.
Lounge areas with furniture and accessories by Vermeulen's and Anna's provide a place to relax and chat for a bit.
Artists Harold Philbrook and James Eitzen provided a chance for partygoers to watch an artwork installation being built during the event.
The finished piece.
The music, played by DJ Mike Holiday, set the mood without being too loud for guests to hold conversations.
Guests at the event check out some of the amazing jewelry available for sale.
The event organizers.