Held on March 30 at the stately Washington Club in Dupont Circle, the event featured an African band wearing traditional, bright-colored outfits and playing authentic music alongside a silent auction, which lined the sides of the room.
International Visions Gallery manager Merin Frank transformed the unlikely venue, which features crystal chandeliers, ornate molding, and marble fireplaces throughout, by draping hand-dyed tablecloths imported from Africa over the silent-auction tables and displaying African art prominently. Later, guests adjourned to a second room for an African-inspired dinner, with menu items including Kenyan fried fish, Ethiopian lentils flavored with ginger and Berbere sauce, and green mealie bread (a South African version of corn bread).
“This event will be very interesting, because we’re pulling together an arts crowd and a crowd that’s really interested in nonprofit work in Africa,” Frank said. “It’s a good place for people to get to know both organizations.”
