Art Fest Beth-El lunch pleases the eye, palate

The opening reception for the Art Festival Beth-El is a party I never want to miss, full of fine art, fine people and fine food, but a previous commitment on Jan. 26 precluded attending. Instead, I joined friends for the luncheon two days later. If you are a serious buyer, you do not want to wait that long to see the show because so much of the art has been purchased. Such success is a tribute to the collective taste of Nan Bugatch, Donna Berman, Sonya Miller, Jan Sher, Ann Soble, Barbara Sterensis and consultant Ellie Argintar, who choose it, and Eric Peterson, who helps with installation.

But for aesthetic tire-kickers and socializers like me, the lunch is perfect. All the art is still on display, and organizers add a boutique with accessories, clothes and affordable gift items.

And then there is the lunch.

"No professionals are involved," just us boys in the 'hood," Lew Kroll announced to more than 100 women as we sat down. He and a group of volunteers from the temple whip up a gourmet meal elegant enough for any lady who lunches. The cooks layered fresh salmon between quesadillas and topped them with a stack of grilled vegetables. If you needed to gild this lily, you could add a dollop of raspberry vinaigrette. Dessert was a white chocolate "flower" filled with a tiramisu-like mixture. No one had to ask for a doggie bag.

Nice to see, between bites, were Debbie Sembler, Jackie Kanner, Helen Hammeroff, Bev Mitlin, Lisa Smajovits, Janet Allweiss, Pam Newman, Mary Booker, Diana Craig, Harriet Lieberman, Stephanie Dyer, Elizabeth Skidmore and Holly Piper.

Among the many success stories of the show was that of Don Silverberg, an amateur sculptor who does serious work. All his pieces had sold. At lunch, his wife, Jane, added that one of his sculptures soon will grace the interior of the U.S. Embassy in Italy, where Ambassador Mel and Betty Sembler are assembling work by Florida artists.

A new Resurrection House has risen, and a recent dedication ceremony and reception celebrated the effort.

Resurrection House is an agency providing homeless families with long-term housing, counseling and educational opportunities. It was founded in 1987 by a group of downtown churches and claims a "self-sufficiency rate" (its success rate) of 85 percent. Until about a month ago, it operated out of a small apartment complex. No more. The new complex, dominated by a handsome, two-story brick building at 800 11th St. N, houses 19 two- and three-bedroom apartments, office and meeting space, and a chapel.

Supporters of the organization gathered on Jan. 23, welcomed by president and CEO Cynthia Sinclair, who was justifiably house-proud. She and her board of directors raised the entire $2.5-million for construction before the facility opened.

The reception centered on a buffet table loaded with sweet and savory nibbles donated by Orange Blossom Catering and was organized by chairwoman Pat Campbell and the Encouragers, Resurrection House's auxiliary. And this is a good time to announce the group's new officers: president Betty Shamas; vice president Shirley Crane; secretary Shari Watson; and treasurer Carol Russell.

At the reception were the Rev. John B. Lipscomb, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida; the Rev. Randy Hehr, dean of St. Peter's Cathedral; the Rev. Chris Nelson of St. Thomas Episcopal Church and Mary Jo Nelson; board chairman J. Claire Aucreman; David Feaster; Dr. Shands and Joan McKeithen; Bill and Jane Emerson; Mary Christian; Harriett Strum; Linda Osmundson; John and Carol Ellis; Dr. Mike Reilly; Dr. Eddy Burns; Judy Stanton; Marguerite Dawson; and Eric Peterson, who donated a 17th-century oil painting of the Resurrection for the chapel.

Along with speeches and congratulations, delivered under old oaks twined with confederate jasmine, was a group recitation of Psalm 100. A line from it, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving," could not have been more appropriate for the occasion.

LOOKING AHEAD

Saturday

WSL CELEBRATES AMERICA: The 52nd annual fashion promenade presents the best groomed men and women of St. Petersburg. Hosted by the Women's Service League, the luncheon show benefits Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. 11 a.m. St. Petersburg Yacht Club, 11 Central Ave. $40. 576-4221.

MASQUERADE GALA: The Junior League of St. Petersburg hosts a fundraiser for its community projects. Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres by Bonefish Grill, dancing, live auction and opportunity drawings. 6:30 p.m. Port of St. Petersburg, 250 Eighth Ave. SE. $50. 895-5018.

Feb. 12

MARDI GRAS ON THE BEACH: A benefit for the Pinellas Association for Retarded Children at the Wine Cellar with live music and a Cajun buffet. 6 p.m. 17307 North Redington Beach. $25. 345-9111, ext. 376.

Feb. 16

CASINO IN RENO: Shorecrest Preparatory School's 10th annual Dream Night takes a Southwestern casual theme. Dinner, entertainment, gaming tables, silent and live auctions. 6:30 p.m. Renaissance Vinoy Resort, 501 Fifth Ave. NE. $125. 522-2111, ext. 107.

Feb. 22

THE COLLECTOR'S AUCTION: A fundraiser for Florida Craftsmen at the new St. Pete Clay Company digs in the historic train depot at 420 22nd St. S. Preview on Feb. 21, 5-8 p.m. Auction on Feb. 22, 6 p.m. $20, includes a drink ticket, hors d'oeuvres, dessert buffet and entertainment. 821-7391.

Feb. 27

OH, YOU BEAUTIFUL DOLL: High-end fashion show with frocks from the Escada and Louis Feraud to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Suncoast. 11 a.m. Renaissance Vinoy Resort Sunset Ballroom, 600 Snell Isle Blvd. NE. $40. 573-8574.

ALL-STAR CELEBRITY AND SPORTS AUCTION: Annual Children's Dream Fund benefit is known for its unique sports and celebrity memorabilia, as well as gift items and vacation packages. With dinner. 5:30 p.m. Tropicana Field. $50. 892-6736.

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