Fishing for Decor

The Smithsonian American Art Museum did not have to do much to attract attention to the reception for New York artist John Alexander’s retrospective on January 24 at the Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard. After all, fans of the painter’s work include Paul Simon, Lorne Michaels, and Caroline Kennedy, who were all in attendance. But in planning the evening, the museum’s special events manager, Emily Chamberlin, looked for inspiration in Alexander’s vibrant landscapes and studies of animal life.One such painting, Palm Beach Reflecting Pool, from 2003, which depicts goldfish in a lily pond, became that muse. Chamberlin worked with Grand Floral & Design on the enormous centerpieces—tall glass vases with live, swimming goldfish, topped with tropical leaves—and Grand Cuisine Caterers on the addition of goldfish-shaped cookies to the menu, which also included Moroccan lamb mini-burgers and smoked salmon and cream cheese lollipops.