Who: Graphic design fans, art lovers, and party people
What: Walker After Hours: CMYK vs. RGB
Where: Walker Art Center
When: Oct. 21, 2011
Why: To get a sneak peek at the Walker’s new exhibit Graphic Design: Now in Production

When it comes to art parties, the Walker knows how to draw a crowd. For some, the party was a chance to see the new exhibit Graphic Design: Now in Production. For others, it was a way to mix and mingle with Twin Cities partygoers. Either way, it was a fun place to spend a Friday night.

Who: Links lovers, Hazeltine members, and the all-around golf obsessed
What: Hazeltine National Golf Club's Clubhouse Debut Party
Where: Hazeltine National Golf Club
When: Thursday, September 23
Why: It’s not everyday that you get to glimpse the mysterious world of the Twin Cities golfing elite. So when the invitation to preview the new Hazeltine clubhouse landed on my desk, I jumped at the opportunity.

I’ve been a golfer since I was as tall as my first set of clubs. I’ve traveled far and wide to play different courses, so I’ve had to learn my way around varying locker rooms, pro shops, and banquet halls. I had the chance to visit the old Hazeltine a few years back, and, simply put, I was overwhelmed by the course (scores will not be mentioned to save my dignity), but underwhelmed by the club. When I returned on September 23 for the opening of the new clubhouse, I was rendered speechless—ask anyone, that’s pretty tough to do.

Who: Media folks, PR peeps, and food lovers
What: Rojo Mexican Grill Preview Party
When: Friday, August 20, 2010
Where: The Shops at West End, St. Louis Park
Why: To celebrate the opening of West End’s newest culinary haunt

Attending a party at the Shops at West End is a uniquely fun and refreshing experience. It’s not just about the abundant free parking, the wide streets, and bright storefronts. Falling in step with the retail complex’s Recession? What recession? swagger almost makes one forget about a wheezing housing market, bleak jobless claim numbers, the growing debt crisis overseas, and—wait, hold on. Did someone say free margaritas?

Who: The Circle members, plus heavy hitters and Marie Antoinette go-go dancers
What: The Louvre and the Masterpiece Preview Party
Where: The Minneapolis Institute of Arts    
When:  Saturday, October 17, 2009
Why:  To celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime exhibit, right here in Minneapolis

Given our economic climate you would think the appreciation of art, which trickles to the top of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, would be a low priority today but that just isn't the case, and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts' party to celebrate the opening of The Louvre and the Masterpiece confirms it. 

Who: History lovers and those who love the Science Museum
What: Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition Opening Reception
When: June 11. 2009
Where: The Science Museum of Minnesota
Why: To relive history through artifacts and stories

Lately on the Party Patrol circuit, things have been feeling a little forced. Smiles have been tighter. The décor has been slightly more demure. Partygoers have seemed a little self-conscious about blinging out during times like these. But at the Science Museum's reception for the opening of Titanic: the Artifact Exhibition, somebody's finally figured out this fin de siecle vibe.

Who: Those who know Spalon is the place to keep you looking gorgeous
Where: Spalon Montage, Edina
Why: To check out the beautifully renovated new space
When: Thursday, June 11

When the fabulous ladies at LolaRed PR extended an invite to check out Spalon Montage's newly renovated Edina space, I couldn't resist stopping by^__or bringing a camera.