By Erin Kelleher
Museums can house many things; fossils, relics, priceless paintings and in the case of the Speed Art Museum, parties too.
AfterHours, sponsored by Brown Forman, is a reoccurring party that happens four times a year at the Speed Art Museum. The gallery fills with people for a sophisticated affair filled with great food, entertainment and, of course, wonderful drinks.
The AfterHours party attracts a large crowd, usually reaching 500 people in attendance by the end of the night, and they come for many reasons.
Some come for the art and participate in the audio guide, which MSNBC.com named one of the top ten in the country, or explore the exhibits on a guided tour. Others may come to socialize and enjoy the plethora of drinks and food.
Each of the four parties features different liquor for samplings and culture; the most recent party, called “‘Shakin’Things Up,” was on Thurs., Jan. 18, and celebrated Finlandia vodka.
Attendees over 21 could sample original or mixed martinis made with all flavors of Finlandia. Tables around the gallery each offered three different kinds of martinis, all possessing a tad variation of a classic zing taste Finlandia liquor is known for. A sample of one of these charming drinks was $2 a tasting. Liquor Barn provided the endless h’orderves that filled two tables with an eclectic setting of cheeses and crackers. The tasty snacks complimented the palette with the cocktails, and made for a wonderful bite to eat.
Many people sat at tables that encircled the gallery with their food and beverages, enjoying the intimacy and style intended by the sponsors and museum.
People also enjoyed the entertainment of Leigh Ann Yost. Yost is an acoustic folk rock artist who sings and plays guitar. She is an acclaimed performer who has an easy mellow and uplifting sound. Her songs danced through the room only adding to the ambience.
The crowd displayed an interest in the songstress, who is a dedicated artist and mother of two toddlers. Yost started in Louisville as a karaoke champion and her talent led her to a recording deal where she produced a CD filled with her own songs.
Prizes were provided by Public Radio Partnership and included CD’s, T-shirts and calendars. Also, Finlandia raffled off a Finlandia windbreaker, an extravagant martini tote and refined martini glasses.
The parties take place every two to four months and are on the third Thursday of that month. The next AfterHours party will be March 15. Admission is $5 and free to museum members.
