(CultureMap Austin) -- It was a good sign for the Umlauf Garden Party when the rain avoided Austin Thursday night. Instead, the humidity gave the evening a Hamptons-esque atmosphere, aided with blue uplighting, hanging strands of lights and pathways lit by candles in paper bags.
The 17th annual fundraising event was organized with the help of honorary chairs celebrity chef Paul Qui and his fiancée and partner Deana Saukam.
During the event, Executive Director Nina Seely presented the museum's newest permanent acquisition that isn't an Umlauf work: the Pointed Sphere by Damian Priour, who studied at the University of Texas in Austin.
Guests decked out in floral prints, seersucker jackets and jaunty hats explored the grounds and took photos with the bronzed sculptures. Spread throughout the garden space were bites from restaurants like Qui's flagship, which served a fermented pork sausage; the Hill Country's Pieous, which brought out New York-style pastrami; El Alma, Noble Sandwich Co. and plenty more. Sweets included full-sized decadent dessert doughnuts from Gourdough's trailer, an eye-catching assortment from Fluff Meringues and even cupcakes served cigarette girl-style from Cupcake Bar.
Twin Liquors provided wine, including sparkling and rose options. Coffee was poured by Houndstooth, and food trays with nifty wine glass holders made it easier for attendees to walk around and sample dishes. Live music from the Nash Hernandez Orchestra played throughout the evening, with the band leader encouraging guests to dance.
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