The Portland Museum of Art’s Contemporaries Winter Bash is one of the area’s most anticipated parties of the season.

This year, over 300 guests turned out to the museum in their dashing best on Feb. 16 to celebrate the PMA and its recent grand reopening.

“The theme is tied to the rehanging of the collection here,” said Beba Cabot, co-chair of the glittering masquerade ball, the 10th annual winter soireé for the younger set of PMA supporters. “It’s a storied moment for the museum.”

Partygoers sipped cocktails and flirted behind sultry masks as female jazz crooner Viva and her trio, The Reinforcements, entertained the crowd. Long dresses, fitted tuxedos and enchanting facades were de rigueur.

Dr. Chris Toth of Kennebunkport enjoyed the company of Jessica Smart, director of development for Goodwill Industries of Northern New England; Casey Prentice of Prentice Hospitality Group was joined by Ciara Libby of Portland and Katie and Kevin Hogan of Falmouth; and Amy and Tom Landry chatted with Alisan and Kevin Kavookjian, both of Portland.

“Portland has an incredible art scene, and it’s nice to see the younger generation gather together and help it blossom,” said Christine Puopolo of Christine Puopolo Creative, who attended with her beau, Hugh McCormick of Hugh McCormick Design Co.

“It’s extremely impressive,” McCormick agreed, “and yet it’s so easy and inviting to be part of it.”

“This is a great night,” said Mika Reynolds, event co-chair and member of the Contemporaries’ steering committee. “The space is transformed, we have live music and after all of this snow, it’s nice to get out.”

Diversions were plentiful, including a photo booth on the lower level, where guests could be found camping it up for the camera to create a lasting take-home memory.

“The Contemporaries are a young, vibrant voice that helps to carry our message into the community and bring new people into the museum,” said Kelly McCormack, business partners and affinity groups associate at the museum.

“The Contemporaries Council is a new giving level for Contemporaries members to become more deeply engaged and show their commitment to the museum,” she said. “It’s been well received. This is a special group. They are the next generation of leaders for the museum.”

Margaret Logan is a freelance writer who lives in Scarborough. She can be reached at:

margaret08logan@gmail.com