Decorative arts supports women’s charity

B.W. COOK

The Decorative Arts Society of Orange County celebrated its 10th

anniversary recently with a grand reception in Newport Beach,

featuring internationally recognized designer Charles Faudree.

More than 300 guests converged on the Edwards Stadium Theater in

Fashion Island to hear Faudree’s expert advice on French and English

interior design.

In addition to his work with a who’s-who list of clients, Faudree

also writes extensively on design, with a new book titled “Charles

Faudree Country French Living” to be published in the fall. The

designer shared slides featuring designs from his new book with his

Newport audience.

Following the lecture, a fashionable luncheon was hosted by the

ladies of the society at the Ann Dennis Designs Showroom at Stonemill

Design Center in Costa Mesa. Some 200 guests filled the handsome

salon, which featured room vignettes orchestrated by the talented Ann

Dennis, who also serves as chairman of Decorative Arts Society. In

the coming season, the most charming Cecelia Nott of Balboa Island

will succeed Dennis, who has served with dedication for the past two

years.

For 10 years, the local society -- which has a roster of some 400

donors and devotees, all associated with or passionate about the

decorative arts -- has raised significant sums for a charity known as

New Directions for Women. New Directions has saved the lives of

countless local women struggling with alcohol or substance abuse. The

organization’s effect on the community, and on the lives of women and

their families, has been of great import.

This season, with interest and financial capability expanding, the

society will also support Girls Inc., and Laura’s House -- two

charities that also serve the common good in O.C., specifically

relating to the lives and needs of women, both young and mature.

Hats off to the Newport-Mesa gals who worked with Dennis to make

the donations possible. Society members include Sandra Ayres, Elana

Donovan, Louise Ewing, Carolyn Garrett, Meredith Graves-Foreman,

Sharon Henwood, Margie Jager and Mary Anna Jeppe. Also supporting the

Decorative Arts Society are Maureen Madigan, Bonnie McClellan, Ann

Michaelsen, Marion Palley, Kathi Ramming, Joan Sammis, Dennis Scholz,

Jamie Shepherdson, Carole Steele, Peggy Strong and Lois Tingler.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.