An arty event to help the Angelitos

Barbara and Jim Glabman opened their elegant furniture emporium on

Bristol Street this Tuesday evening to welcome childhood friend

turned world-class art collector Richard Weisman.

The after-hours in-store reception featured fabulous Asian-themed

hors d’ oeuvres and a very special holiday cocktail called “double

happiness.” When asked what was in the drink, the waiters replied,

“sake and peach juice.” Many of the guests had two drinks to ensure

that the name was appropriate.

Weisman’s appearance at the Glabman store was created to introduce

him to the Orange Coast set and to show off and sell his new book,

titled “From Picasso to Pop: The Richard Weisman Collection.”

Jim Glabman stood before the crowd explaining, “Richard and I go

back to high school and college days. We roomed together for a short

time, and he stood up for Barbara and I at our wedding. It’s a great

pleasure to introduce an old friend to you tonight.”

Weisman quickly corrected Glabman, stating, “I’m a longtime

friend.”

The son of art collectors Frederick and Marcia Weisman of Los

Angeles, founders of the Museum of Contemporary Art in L.A., and the

nephew of the formidable collector Norton Simon, whose name graces

the Pasadena museum, Weisman has an art pedigree not shared by many.

In his own right, he has been an international collector for more

than 30 years. He decided to establish his independence from his

famous family by creating a book to showcase his own personal

penchant for art collecting.

“I sold a large portion of the collection in 1989 when the art

market was at it’s peak,” Weisman told the crowd. “The prices being

paid at that time made it hard to say no. But I admit that I was

lucky, and I’d rather be lucky than smart any day.”

The gathering, including Gloria and Irv Gellman, Pat and Karl

Neisser, Joan and Tom Riach, Pat and Eugene Hancock, Vesta Curry,

Joyce and Tom Tucker, Gloria Bradeson and Noddie and Bill Weltner,

roared.

Proceeds from the sale of the Weisman book that evening were

donated to Angelitos de Oro in support of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of

Orange County.

FASHION CHANGE

Across town, social mover and shaker Barbara Magness, a past

president of The Sophisticates in support of Assessment Treatment

Services Center, was having a little in-store reception of her own.

Barbara has been the owner of B. Magness Fashion, Newport Beach for

some 18 years, serving the fashionistas of Orange County with a savvy

style.

As friends and customers turned out for her in-store holiday

reception Barbara rallied the attention of the crowd and made an

announcement. “I’ve kept this a big secret,” she whispered, “but

today I’d like to introduce you to the new owner of B. Magness ...

Nancy Lynn Olson.”

The ladies applauded, hugged and congratulated Nancy, wishing her

much success. The former model, customer and friend of Magness

reported her excitement in taking the business reins.

“I will strive to continue the same level of service and style

that has offered a true one-on-one relationship with the customer,”

said Olson beaming with pride. “I will probably change the name of

the store down the road,” she added.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.