Unfortunately the revival of The Great Whale Watch on Thursday, October 9, 2003, was more fitting for whales than for people, as it rained steadily during the party! The hearty souls who did attend enjoyed fabulous food provided by Chef Stan Gibson of the University Club and the mellow tones of the Lannie McMillan Trio.

Door prizes were awarded during the evening, and Collins Mikell of the new Crye-Leike Downtown office won the grand prize, a custom designed and fabricated wine cabinet  from the artists at Metal Concepts.  Collins in turn has graciously donated the wine cabinet to be auctioned for the benefit of the National Ornamental Metal Museum, AIA Memphis and Memphis Heritage, Inc. The auction will be during the Museum’s annual Repair Days on Saturday evening, October 18, 7:30 p.m.

Prospective bidders may view the cabinet now on the Museum’s grounds at 374 Metal Museum Drive.  It stands 6 feet tall and three feet wide; has two swinging front doors and  7 shelves of 6 racks to accommodate the “fruitful grapes of the earth.”  The piece is one-of-a-kind and has a natural rust finish covered with a clear laquer coat. The retail value of this handsome piece is $4,000.

See the Museum’s website www.metalmuseum.org for further information.  Click images for larger view.