Primary colors, geometric shapes, and children’s artwork created a whimsical feel at law firm Bingham McCutchen’s annual event for its clients, held at the New York Public Library’s Bartos Forum. A playful, childlike theme might seem unusual for a party of more than 400 suit- and tie-wearing guests, but Grayson Bakula Design found inspiration in the firm’s work with the nonprofit academic intervention program Say Yes to Education, which assists inner-city elementary to high school students.“The past two years we’ve done this event, Say Yes wasn’t included in a major
way,” said Patricia Daniels, Bingham McCutchen’s director of marketing and business development. “So for this year’s celebration, we decided to really play it up. Carolyn [Bakula] came up with the idea to turn the room into a museum, and we let the kids we sponsor do all of the artwork.”
Bakula created four freestanding kiosks made of colorful drawings by the students. The art installations were displayed throughout the room, and multicolored ottomans and sleek leather couches with throw pillows were arranged so guests could sit and take in the artwork up close. Other fun touches included Chinese lanterns suspended from the ceiling, a gigantic Airstar lighting balloon hung above the bar to cast a warm glow, and brightly hued gerbera daisies arranged in marble-filled glass vases. The Earl May Quartet played jazz in one corner, giving the party a more sophisticated, adult air.
Abigail Kirsch’s menu catered to grown-up tastes. Servers passed trays of foie gras truffles and citrus-marinated shrimp, while guests lined up at sushi, pasta, and steak stations. Even though it was a school night, the festivities lasted well past 9 PM—even after Grayson turned on the house lights.
—Lisa Cericola
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way,” said Patricia Daniels, Bingham McCutchen’s director of marketing and business development. “So for this year’s celebration, we decided to really play it up. Carolyn [Bakula] came up with the idea to turn the room into a museum, and we let the kids we sponsor do all of the artwork.”
Bakula created four freestanding kiosks made of colorful drawings by the students. The art installations were displayed throughout the room, and multicolored ottomans and sleek leather couches with throw pillows were arranged so guests could sit and take in the artwork up close. Other fun touches included Chinese lanterns suspended from the ceiling, a gigantic Airstar lighting balloon hung above the bar to cast a warm glow, and brightly hued gerbera daisies arranged in marble-filled glass vases. The Earl May Quartet played jazz in one corner, giving the party a more sophisticated, adult air.
Abigail Kirsch’s menu catered to grown-up tastes. Servers passed trays of foie gras truffles and citrus-marinated shrimp, while guests lined up at sushi, pasta, and steak stations. Even though it was a school night, the festivities lasted well past 9 PM—even after Grayson turned on the house lights.
—Lisa Cericola
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The children’s artwork inspired the event’s bright, primary-hued color scheme.
Multicolored ribbons hung from the ceiling, creating a festive entryway into the party.
Instead of sitting at tables and chairs, guests gathered around benches and ottomans.
When making the installations, Bakula cut down the tops of the freestanding triangles to give the displays movement and keep them from looking too static.
The children’s drawings depicted images of things that make them happy—everything from having fun with their families to eating pizza.
Colorful gerbera daisies were arranged in marble-filled containers.
Abigail Kirsch’s passed hors d’ouvres included citrus-marinated shrimp.
