Since opening in December, the Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard—set between the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery—has played host to several functions, showing off its new sleek interior. On Friday, National Portrait Gallery external affairs specialist Kristy Snaman went a different route than usual with the decor, dressing up the space with more modern fare to mark the opening of the new show "Recognize! Hip Hop and Contemporary Portraiture.”
“We tried to play into the theme of hip-hop with the decor,” Snaman said. “We're always excited when we have something that's forward-thinking and modern.” To that effect, Snaman created a series of floating living-room-esque areas, mimicking a nightclub setting, complete with modern white leather couches, white shag carpet, and glass coffee tables from Syzygy Event Productions.The standing tables and central bar kept that clean white look, with candles set sparingly. Stark metal kitchen carts displayed the food offerings, provided by Ridgewells, including cheese platters, petite mousses (lemon blueberry trifle), brownie and truffle lollipops, and chocolate-dipped pralines. Passed hors d'oeuvres abounded, too, such as the mini red potatoes filled with sour cream and caviar.
Considering the show's topic, entertainment was key. Radio One, which collaborated with the museum on the exhibition, brought on radio host Russ Parr as the M.C. and DJ Sixth Sense, who set up in front of a purple circular light show that complemented the event's overall blue glow.
The exhibit features portraits of hip-hop stars such as LL Cool J, Ice T, and Erykah Badu, who were not in attendance, likely because the Grammys were just two days away.
“We tried to play into the theme of hip-hop with the decor,” Snaman said. “We're always excited when we have something that's forward-thinking and modern.” To that effect, Snaman created a series of floating living-room-esque areas, mimicking a nightclub setting, complete with modern white leather couches, white shag carpet, and glass coffee tables from Syzygy Event Productions.The standing tables and central bar kept that clean white look, with candles set sparingly. Stark metal kitchen carts displayed the food offerings, provided by Ridgewells, including cheese platters, petite mousses (lemon blueberry trifle), brownie and truffle lollipops, and chocolate-dipped pralines. Passed hors d'oeuvres abounded, too, such as the mini red potatoes filled with sour cream and caviar.
Considering the show's topic, entertainment was key. Radio One, which collaborated with the museum on the exhibition, brought on radio host Russ Parr as the M.C. and DJ Sixth Sense, who set up in front of a purple circular light show that complemented the event's overall blue glow.
The exhibit features portraits of hip-hop stars such as LL Cool J, Ice T, and Erykah Badu, who were not in attendance, likely because the Grammys were just two days away.
Blue lighting accented the Kogod Courtyard's soaring walls.
Photo: Mark Gulezian/Courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery
Blue lighting accented the Kogod Courtyard's soaring walls.
Photo: Mark Gulezian/Courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery
Mini lounge areas dotted the large space.
Photo: BizBash
A metal kitchen cart held the catered offerings.
Photo: BizBash
