Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Masterpieces on display at new Wynn gallery

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2001 | 8:22 a.m.

Elizabeth Foyt's social column appears Wednesdays. Reach her at elizabethfoyt@ prodigy.net.

An elegant affair, quite intimate in nature, the recent opening party for the Wynn Collection drew a close circle of art enthusiasts and dear friends of hosts Steve and Elaine Wynn and their associates Tom Hickey and Libby Lumpkin.

The new gallery in the Wynn Resorts property (formerly the Desert Inn) is home to a priceless collection of 19th and 20th century masterpieces. Showcased in a jewel-like setting with ideal lighting and access, the Wynn's much-celebrated collection includes pieces by van Gogh, Matisse, Gauguin, Cezanne, Modigliani, Manet and Andy Warhol in addition to "Le Reve" (The Dream) by Picasso, which is also the name of Wynn's latest resort venture under development at the location.

A lavish array of hors d'oeuvres, sushi and heavenly desserts were created by chefs Matt Hurley and Tom Kaplan of Spago and served with Tattinger champagnes, martinis and fine wines, as guests leisurely gathered in the spacious lobby under the arched and painted ceilings. From their places on the upper gallery, an ensemble of chamber musicians set the gentle mood enjoyed by Drs. Ted and Parvin Modaber Jacobs, Irwin and Susan Molasky, Vivi Marshall, Dr. Steve and Karen Thomas, Richard and Wendy Plaster, Vassili Sulich with Norman Cain, Karen Gordon, Le Reve Vice President Roger Thomas with his brother, Peter Thomas, as well as Jane Schorr, Jodi Ghanem and Stan Hunterton with Barbara Mulholland.

Entering the gallery for a self-directed tour each person was provided a personal narration device that played commentary recorded by Steve Wynn. Seen engrossed in the beauties of the collection were Sam and Patsy Lionel, Kell and Nancy Houssels, John Strzemp with Bonnie Rattner, Larry Ruvo and Stephen Molasky.

The Wynn Collection, with its lovely museum shop and the adjacent Coffee Bean restaurant, is open Wednesday through Sunday and will also be available to private groups and the Clark County School District.

Museum party

The Neon Museum, with sponsor Neiman Marcus, will host A Night Under the Lights on Dec. 1. Suggested attire is fun and warm for the splendid fund-raiser, which will be at the Neon Boneyard, which houses the awesome collection of our city's most celebrated neon signage.

The restored relics will light up the night and shine on memories of our earliest resorts and ever-changing skyline. Cocktails and festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. with dinner to follow. Contact the museum at 229-5366 for details.

Palms opening

The Palms opening quickly became a gathering of Las Vegas insiders, sprinkled liberally with celebrities and sports figures.

The evening was ideal for crowds that waited patiently for the arrival of invited guests on the red carpet, among them Buck Wong with daughter Nancy with Wing and Lilly Fong, John and Marilyn Moran, Vera and Robert Goulet, University Regent Mark Alden, Steve and Joyce Schneider with daughter Mollie, David Atwell, Dr. Ralph and Sandy Litton and John and Rene O'Reilly with Ginette and Michelle Jaramillo.

Many congregated in the handsome Buddha Bar and adjacent Little Buddha dining room, including Ed and Penny Prudhomme, R.J. Peltyn with his parents, Roger and Sandy, Kevin Buckley, Jerry Engl, Frankie Randall, Phyllis McGuire, UNLV football coach John and wife Linda Robinson, and Dr. Michael and Manetta Braunstein.

Spreading out to see the hotel's Rain in the Desert showroom and adjacent courtyard were Misti and Tom Kaplan, Pat and Charles Cavagnaro with Joe and Hope Anstett, and Mikey and Jim Bilbray. Across the casino others toured the new Brendan Theatres and nearby eateries. Seen in congenial groupings with friends were Michael and Paula Gaughan, Bernie Yuman, Joe and Lia Roberts, Jackie Baskow and Denise Cashman accompanied by Maureen Kane and Saundra Munley.

Stirling spa

The Stirling club, slated to open at Turnberry Place in December, will offer the finest of spa treatments. Gathering a select audience at Four Seasons, Stirling Club announced Caudalie, a renowned European line of spa products and treatments, will make its U.S. debut inside the private club.

Present for the gourmet dinner and informative talk were Jewel Brooks with Susan Sullivan, Lou Emmert, Rino and Marie-Claire Armeni, Jeanne Hood, Mary Jo Ralenkotter and Sig Rogich, as well as M.J. Harvey, Phyllis McGuire, Dawn Russo and Lori Shane. Enjoying the most pleasant evening were Vivi Marshall, Laura Hoenemeyer, Judy Robinson, Joy Bell and Mariam Absher, as well as Sharon Bader and Asad Faraq, both of The Stirling Club.