Ronit Lawlor of the Lost Boys Consortium handled the public relations and gathered a decent-sized crowd for the cocktail party. More than 100 inquisitive guests were entertained at the multipurpose art venue, which featured food, music and artists at work. Paul Sigler, special events director, and partner Julian Cavasos of EventWerx, the facility's event management firm, employed C.A. & Company—one of the Center's six preferred caterers—to showcase its fare. Servers passed hors d'oeuvres on both levels, while food stations consisting of several types of pasta, cheese and crackers, assorted fruit and desserts were set up on the main floor. Complementing the foodstuff was a well-appointed bar—supplied by LOAC.
Even though LOAC has its own in-house audiovisual team—which can handle everything from sound, pipe and drape, searchlights and strobes—the low-key, casual setting called for a more gentle approach, with music performed by harpist Deborah Fleisher. With artwork serving as backdrops in the more than 11 galleries, there was no further need for additional décor except for floral groupings arranged and provided by Posie Patch.
Able to accomodate 700 for cocktail parties and 360 for sit-down dinners, LOAC also plans on having art classes and weekly poetry readings, lectures, musical performances and other cultural happenings in the near future. "I really want this to be a place where there are events," says David Carone, director and curator. "I want people to wonder what's going on at the Las Olas Art Center tonight."
—Jose Gomez
