Graffiti artist Shirnae Mackey sprays the finishing touch on a mural she helped create for the ICON dinner. (David Zalubowski, Special to The Denver Post)
A little decadence never hurt anyone. At least that’s what Terry Vitale figured when she started tossing around ideas for a theme for the 2011 ICON Awards Gala.
The publisher of Confetti magazine settled on “Decadence in the City” for her annual tribute to Denver’s most creative special events, and the people who make them happen. And since decadence can be defined two ways — marked by decay or decline, and appealing to self-indulgence — you can just imagine the fun everyone had interpreting the theme.
PHOTOS: See more from the 2011 Icon Awards Gala in Denver
When guests stepped off the escalator leading to the Grand Hyatt Denver’s main ballroom, the first thing they saw was a gritty street scene that included overturned trash cans and graffiti art. Inside the foyer, the visuals ran the gamut from break dancers to carved ice martini luges.
Dress went in both directions, too, ranging from black leather and an Elvis Presley-esque jeweled jumpsuit to distressed denim and haute couture.
Richard Rizzo of Puttin’ on the Rizz was the event planner; Design Works by Dave and Mike executed the decor and Image Corp was the producer. Video production was by Bradley Joseph’s Silver Spur Productions and Zerosun Pictures. Michael and Iris Smith were the lead sponsors and Paul Borrillo served as master of ceremonies.
In addition to the awards given in categories ranging from weddings to charity galas, ICON distinguishes itself by returning a portion of the ticket revenue to the nonprofit of the buyer’s choice, and by conducting a drawing for a $10,000 cash award. The winner: Smart-Girl, a mentoring program for teenage girls.
Actress Jill St. John once again served as a judge with fellow Aspenite Peter Helburn, David Marlow, Robert Sivek, Andrea Michaels, Steven Kemble and Paul Creighton. Among those receiving awards were Ellen Robinson, whose ERH Associates had a major hand in producing the Global Down Syndrome’s Be Beautiful Be Yourself Jet Set Fashion Show; Creative Events for the Denver Public Library Booklover’s Ball; Epicurean Catering; Walli Richardson for Best Wedding Over $75,000; and Newberry Bros. for Best Floral Design.
Bandleader Jerry Barnett was given a Lifetime Achievement award for his 30 years of providing the sounds for nearly every event of consequence taking place in Denver. Starkey Productions, the Hotel Jerome, Destination Services, Affair With Flair, Biscuits and Berries, Sapphire Celebrations, Andrew Clark Photography, Signed and Sealed, and Inviting by Design, creator of invitations to Club Wood, a celebration of John Elway’s 50th birthday, also went home with prizes.
Ellen Robinson and William Fogler were in charge of ticket sales and their effort drew a crowd that included Sharon Magness Blake and Ernie Blake; John and Anna Sie; Thierry Kennel, general manager of the Four Seasons Hotel Denver, and his wife, Sophie; Molly Hughes; Dick and Marcia Robinson; Eddie and Susan Robinson; Rachelle Geller; Ron and Barbara Thring; Kristina Sand; Rick and Sheila Bugdanowitz; Marc Steron; Elizabeth Joseph; Judy Fahrenkrog and Larry King; Tim Jackson; Kit Leventhal; Larry Holdren; Aaron and Sandee LaPedis; Daniel Bell; Steve Edmonds; Judi Wolf; Sylvia Atencio; Nancy Sagar; and Glenn Jones and Dianne Eddolls.
PHOTOS: See more from the 2011 Icon Awards Gala in Denver
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also, GetItWrite on Twitter
