Blow Up

M Modern Gallery's Opening Reception "Blow Up" was held Friday evening in Palm Springs. (From left) Artist Dale Chihuly and friend Ruby Montana study the work of photographer Michael Childers on display.


M Modern Gallery hosts 'in' event
Lea GoodsellSpecial to The Desert SunJanuary 7, 2007

Loretta Vlach, Special to The Desert Sun

It had all the ingredients for a great party - cool venue, hot DJ and lots of celebrities. OK - most of the celebs were in photos and portraits hanging on the walls, courtesy of three amazing photographers, but they were there in spirit. M modern gallery hosted an opening reception titled "Blow Up" for Michael Childers, William Claxton and Douglas Kirkland at the gallery Friday night, as an official element of the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

With the help of sponsors including Trina Turk and Smirnoff, the party rocked. It was the first time Claxton and Kirkland have exhibited in Palm Springs and declared the turnout "amazing." Gallery owners Jay and MiShell Nailor were kept busy mingling.

Jay explained, "Celebrities played an important role in the early development and notoriety of Palm Springs and it's still the case today with the overwhelming draw of the Palm Springs International Film Festival."

Guests included Dale Chihuly, Kaye Ballard and James Galanos as well as Nelda Linsk, Lindell Campbell, Mark Adams and Frankie Valdez, Haddon and Julia Libby, Dick and Susan Stein, Janice Lyle and Michael Boyer, Daniel Wright, Jamie Kabler and Patrick Mundt.

Other guests were Ruby Montana, dressed just as you imagine, and Dusti Shipman and Abby Massey, who were darling in their ever-changing Trina Turk ensembles. Shari Appelbaum shared the story of running into Dale Chihuly several years ago and asking if he would paint a pair of her shoes. He said she had great legs and painted a pair of Yves St. Laurent shoes with great bright colors. She still wears them today!

The party continued at Viceroy where manager Jonathan Heath put out a great spread including my favorite, marshmallows already on long skewers ready to roast in the fire pit outside.

Joey English and Rose Mihata were holding court in the aptly named White Room, while others mingled in the adjacent enclosed patio, at the bar or around the Citron pool. Smirnoff's Leslie Barclay watched firsthand as folks enjoyed their cocktails and DJ Victor Rodriquez kept the party going strong.