The Social Diary attended the Ocean House Gallery Reception in collaboration with the New England Contemporary Fine Art. Featured artists included Julia O’Malley-Keyes, Sanchitha Vishwanath, Harley Bartlett, Rosanne Cerbo, Anthony Tomaselli and Joan Mcconaughy.
The Ocean House Collections
On any given visit to the Ocean House, art is centre stage. It boasts one of the largest collection of Ludwig Bemelmans illustrations, including Madeline. Located in the downstairs sitting room and bar, adjacent to the ballroom, the Bemelmans Gallery is open to the public. There are also photos of Ari and Christina Onassis.
Ocean House Gallery
Besides the permanent collections, Ocean House Gallery features several artists whose work is worth the view. The Gallery continues upstairs, in the living room and the long hallway, adjacent to the members’ clubroom. Depicted on canvas are nautical, summer floral and beach life themes, in addition to other life captured moments.
Every artwork featured are available for sale. The price reflects the time and technique used to create these beautiful and life-like “masterpieces.” It is art imitating life, as many of the pieces resemble a photograph up close.
Ocean House Gallery Opening Reception
The Social Diary attends several opening receptions throughout the year. This includes museum showcases and new exhibitions to book signings and film premiers. Passed around canapés and hors d’oeuvres are common place, as are wines. The service is also standard.
Hospitality Notes for the Ocean House
On this occasion, however, guests who did not drink alcohol didn’t have many options. Seltzer water and club soda? Over saccharine beverages? How about a ready, steady supply of Pellegrino as a non sugary option? Pellegrino was not on the ready, and brought to the bar, upon request.
Hospitality is very important to the Social Diary. We write a lot about it too. One of the reasons we decided not to attend the New Year’s Eve’s Ball this year was because of what happened last year. As a “five-star” resort property, there is no room for errors, especially common ones.
Hospitality success starts with proper training. It also requires efficient management oversight. The Social Diary believes in a 360 point of view, looked at from all angles. So, here are a couple of pointers.
- When offering tray passed options, make certain that the portion size is not so big that requires a wide mouth, or takes several bites to finish. Moreover, there is no such thing as a “bite size” lobster roll.
- The server should offer napkins first before offering the food item on the tray. Additionally, offer a clean napkin, not one with a toothpick left on it! Yuck!!!!