FIRST ANNUAL SPRING DINNER

"LEARNING SECRETS:
LESSONS OF ARCHITECTURAL LITERACY"

APRIL 1st, 2005, 7:00 p.m.

The evening was top-notch and all grateful thanks go to Daniel Lee, Paul Wilson, Gracia Navarro and Lenore Lee for hosting the reception at their architectural studio, and for handling the arrangements and logistics. Thanks are also due to all the Chapter members who helped make the evening a success.

The highlight was Calder Loth's charming and entertaining address at Gadsby's Tavern. Perhaps the best part of Mr. Loth's talk was his focus on delight: that classical architects became proficient in the language not for the sake of symbolism (although surely that is part of the equation) but to delight and please those who experienced their works. Gadsby's Tavern was a wonderful venue for a Chapter event.. So often in Washington, classical architecture and interior decoration is associated with a kind of fusty conservative authoritarianism. Events like the spring dinner demonstrate that classicism can be about delight and fun, and at the same time be entirely consonant with contemporary sensibilities.

The evening was supported by three generous sponsors. Tendura, based in Troy, Alabama, are makers of traditionally-styled composite porch planking. White River Hardwoods, based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, manufactures elegant mouldings for applications ranging from value to custom. Windsor One, based in Windsor, California, are producers of highest-quality trim boards, specialty boards, and moldings.

Reception at Daniel Lee's studio (from left to right): CJ Howard, Erika Albright, Paul Wilson and Nir Buras.	The book table with numerous offerings.
Sponsor Ned Lawrence assists in hosting.	Jay and Marianne Graham chat with Lenore Lee and Barbara Lubran.
At Gadsby's Tavern: The sponsors' materials attracted attention as well.	Slade Elkins, Nir Buras, Clader Loth and David Neumann (with back to camera).