What you missed last week: Txak Block Party, Sale Soiree

Txak Blok Party

The outdoor patio was packed. Guests drooled over mouthwatering wafts of paella, permeating the air as it simmered in an outdoor wok.

Patrons were saddled up in lounge areas, giddily taking turns extending their arms, drawing back Spanish wine-filled porrons (think wine bong) in attempt to see who could pour draughts into their mouths from the farthest distance.

Despite the celebratory set-up, something was amiss. Perhaps it was the choice to hold the event on a Tuesday, the fact that Chai was the only host (versus the traditional block party jaunt between numerous restaurants and bars) or the Modest Mouse show down the road, but the third annual Txakoli Blok Party was lacking its usual zest. Where Txakoli, Spanish tapas wine, and its accompanying porrons have been on display for guests in the past, attendees this year had to request them from the bar, resulting in some confusion. While it was an enjoyable evening, the presence of Txakoli felt more like an afterthought, versus holding front and center stage of the event.

As one guest put it, "It felt like any fun night at Chai -- just with porrons!"

Sale Soiree and Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser at Center for Photography

Tara Mills initially planned to host only a shopping event featuring Charleston vendors and designers. At the last minute however, The Sale Soiree organizer was approached about using the event to raise funds for a charity. The result was a hugely successful (and fun!) evening donating 100 percent of proceeds to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Oh-so-fashionably dressed women (and men thank you) turned up styled to the hilt in hopes of winning the "best dressed" contest, an honor that included a custom made cocktail dress by Kira Elizabeth Designs valued at up to $700.

Guests threaded among one another, dancing to the tunes of DJ Party Dad in the wall-to-wall-filled Charleston Center for Photography, cooing over finds from retailers such as Biton, Viola and Clyde, Private Eyes and I heart. Silent auction goodies and raffle prizes from Al di La, The Sitting Room and others were available for those wanting to test their luck. The event not only created a fantastically fashionable time for all, but brought attention to the Center for Photography, local businesses and one amazing charity.

'They Paint, They Sculpt, They Draw,' Redux

If at all interested in the state of the arts in Charleston County schools, run to "They Paint, They Sculpt, They Draw" at Redux Contemporary Art Center. The opening last Friday displayed works produced by 30 area high school students chosen to compete in Redux's Summer Art Institute, a free competitive program designed to train up-and-coming artists in painting, sculpting and drawing. After being taken through a three-week art boot camp of sorts (to give students the chance to gain instruction and opportunities not available in the standard public school curriculum), local students produced an array of works on display through July 31.

Whimsical self-portraits with mustaches and colorful pet renderings jump out from the walls, juxtaposed with small sculptural works and drawing studies.

As Executive Director Karen Myers says, "It really shows what kids can do if given the chance to have good instruction and opportunities not always available in public schools."