The Casino Ball was a glitzy affair that attracted more than 1,000 people to the Baltimore Museum of Art Saturday evening. Klieg lights panned the sky and Maryland Institute, College of Art students, in the role of paparazzi, photographed guests as they entered the museum. Many guests took the ball's Hollywood theme to heart and came dressed as Charlie Chaplin, Popeye, Mae West and Edward Scissorshands.
Museum director Arnold Lehman and his wife, Pam, were seen chatting with Connie Caplan, chair of the BMA board of trustees, about the wonderful turnout. There was lots of good food prepared by Great Occasions Caterers and when you were not eating, you could have your tarot cards read or play roulette or just dance the night away. Among those at the party were Lisa Slusarek, BMA affiliate and chair of the ball; Mark Kalma, Reliable Liquors; Linda Georgian, host of "Psychic to the Stars" which is produced by Baltimore based Inphomation; Dave Williams, BMA affiliates chair; Ginni and Chad Dreier, he's CEO of Ryland; Dr. and Mrs. William Kirwan, he's president of the University of Maryland; Becca Seitz, BMA director of public relations, and her husband, Mike Schuh, nightside reporter at WJZ-TV. It was a great way to raise money for the BMA's education fund.
More than 200 people stopped by Henry & Jeff's Restaurant, 1220 N. Charles, Tuesday night to witness the unveiling of a mural commissioned by attorney Fred Bierer as a birthday present to himself.
The mural was painted by local artist Jim Cox, who did a splendid job with the huge painting, which depicts a sidewalk cafe scene outside the restaurant. The painting will hang at Henry & Jeff's, which Bierer owns with Henry Pertman and Jeff Pressman.
The invitation to the birthday celebration asked gentlemen to wear bowties, which many did, but none looked quite so spiffy as the South American tie with bird feathers worn by Harlan Margolis, with a matching ensemble.
While Bierer's wife, Elaine; his daughters Lisa and Melissa; his brother, Steve; Meb Turner; Father Constantine Monios, Vita Kencel, J. Jay Pecora and others, chatted with the birthday boy and congratulated the artist, Marcus Dagan provided the background music.
The Polo Grill at the Colonnade has had its share of celebs, but I don't think anyone has caused the stir that world renowned wrestling champ, Hulk Hogan, did on Tuesday.
The Polo is not exactly the place you expect wrestler types to hang out, but thanks to the Arena's savvy PR gal, Edie Brown, luncheon guests were thrilled. Polo owner Lenny Kaplan gave Hogan and his manager Robb Young, hostess Caroline Cardin, and Edie, the center section where they could see and be seen.
Baltimoreans who paused for a closer look at Hogan in his bright yellow and red wrestling outfit were Leonard Levin, Wally London, Donald Levenson, Ron Sharrow, Jerry Sellars, and Ben Kuntz.
One family, who managed to have their picture taken with Hogan were locals Bonnie and George Andriadakis, who were entertaining George's cousin, Minas Andriadakis.
Minas was visiting from Greece and is the owner of the Elounda Marmin Hotel in Crete, a real "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" hotel.
All of this hubbub was to hype Hogan's heavy weight championship match with Vader at the Baltimore Arena on Feb. 19.
Around town:
* Mae Peck-Williams, the national president of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority from 1944-1947, was honored at its 42nd annual convention in St. Louis. Mrs. Peck-Williams, who taught in the city school system for 41 years, now resides at the Keswick Home . . .
* If cable subscribers who get the AMC channel, tune in tomorrow between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. when AMC host Bob Dorian introduces the movie, "Cobra Woman," from Baltimore's Senator Theatre. This will be the first showing of eight segments shot at the theater last fall that'll serve to introduce viewers to this fine theater . . .
* Rockers Against Hunger '95 plan to put on quite a show at Graffiti's, Padonia Village Shopping Center, from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Feb. 12. This is the fourth annual event, which benefits the Maryland Food Committee. Scores of musicians and bands have signed up. A $5 donation will be collected at the door.