Art to the Max

People entering the Max Restaurant at Mirabeau Park Hotel during a First Wednesday event in October might have thought they were at a big metropolitan art event: The entryway had large paintings on easels, and other paintings were scattered throughout the lounge. Wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres were accompanied by the sounds of conversation. Some people dressed up, some came specifically for the event, and some were pleasantly surprised hotel guests.

First Wednesday is held each month from 5 to 7 p.m. Its purpose is to bring the community together through art, good food and conversation.

“We are an independent hotel, allowing for a stronger connection to the community,” said Lee Cameron, one of the hotel’s three managing partners. Free from the dictates of a corporate headquarters, they have room to be creative. The light fixtures, for example, were custom designed and the permanent art throughout the building was chosen by the owners. Even the menu is thought of as an artistic creation, welcoming all tastes from burgers to lobster. Without a corporate chef, they are open to the community’s culinary input.

“Our ownership philosophy,” said Cameron, “is that it’s all about the community, and First Wednesday carries that theme forward and enhances it.”

First Wednesday embodies that community philosophy, introducing attendees to both the arts and fine wine. Without pretense, staff welcomes connoisseurs as well those who have never stepped foot in a gallery.

Dennis Manley, coordinator of First Wednesday and director of catering, has experience in advertising and marketing. Although he sketches, sculpts and does graphic design, he considers himself an art appreciator, rather than an artist.

Manley has been with Mirabeau Park for six months but he came knowing what he was going to do. First Wednesday came with him, bringing shows that are thought-provoking with works by artists who have rich histories.

At the upcoming , artist Ralph Busch will be showing an eclectic mix of his work, lyrical abstractions to loose representations of frogs. An artist for more than 30 years, he was a founding resident of the Soho artist neighborhood in New York.

Unlike the stark and quiet atmosphere of a gallery, the Max is warm and inviting, Busch said.

“Even though the Max is a commercial space, it’s homey,” he said. “Bringing art to this venue is like bringing it home.”

Bringing it home is exactly what the owners and employees believe is important for the community.