Arts leaders, global cultures merge for event

By Nancy Smith

The International Society revived its Cinco de Mayo party tradition for the first time since COVID lockdowns with a spirited Mexican-themed celebration on May 5 at the Highland Park home of Barbara Crow.

More than 55 members and guests wore their South of the Border finery to the celebration, which was decorated with colorful paper flowers and Barbara Crow’s own pinatas. She explained that many of her girlhood birthday parties had Mexican themes and she kept the pinatas in storage for just such a celebration as this.

The International Society’s soiree featured catering by Blue Mesa and was entertained by a flamenco dance troupe. The next scheduled event will be at the Park City Club in October featuring Liz Brailsford, the director of Dallas Council of World Affairs.

The recently elected chairman of The International Society is Sharman Beasley Vesecky, taking over from Beth McIntosh, who has been dividing her time between Jamaica and Dallas since her recent marriage, and will become parliamentarian. Among those attending were Dr. Caroline Brettell and Caroline Kim. Dr. Brettell was the speaker at the first of The International Society’s series of luncheons at the Park City Club, and is the widow of former Dallas Museum of Art director Dr. Richard Brettell. She is continuing her association with the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) where her husband was the professor of art and aesthetic studies and founding director of the Edith O’Donnell Institute of Art History. Dr. Caroline Brettell has served as a professor and chair of the Department of Anthropology at Southern Methodist University (SMU).

Previously, she was the director of Women’s Studies at SMU. Caroline Kim is development director of the Crow Museum of Asian Art, which is establishing a second venue at UTD in addition to the Crow Museum downtown.

The International Society was founded by Miliana Kelly in the early 1990s to foster understanding between arts leaders and representatives of world cultures and presents three events a year emphasizing museum exhibits and award-winning classical musicians.