January 29th, 2013 
“I like large parties. They’re so intimate. At small parties there isn’t any privacy.” -F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby.
(Photo Credit: C. Holt)
On Saturday night, the historic Central Branch of the Enoch Pratt Library was transformed into a speakeasy with all the opulence and decadence of a F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. Almost 700 people attended the annual Black and White Party, hosted by the Pratt Contemporaries. Indeed, the event had a Great Gatsby theme in anticipation of the upcoming Baz Luhrmann film adaption of the classic novel (starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire and Carey Mulligan).
Photo Credit: C. Holt
The ambiance was swanky and elegant, with white lights draping from the ceiling, 20s inspired black and white furniture, and signage directing guests to step into “West Egg.” Men donned dapper suits and tuxedos. Women were decked out in everything from flapper-inspired fringed dresses to dramatic evening gowns, complete with strings of pearls and art deco-inspired diamonds. In addition to delectable bites from Linwoods, wine and beer from The Wine Source supplemented a signature 1920s inspired cocktail. There was also a raffle with amazing prizes from iPad minis to a Baltimore Ravens package.
(Photo Credit: C. Holt)
Several sponsors helped to support this amazing event including Baltimore’s own Covergirl Cosmetics, Brown Advisory and M&T Bank. Almost $90, 000 was raised from the Black and White party to support the educational mission of the Enoch Pratt Library, one of the oldest free public library systems in the United States. The Pratt Contemporaries offers a range of events throughout the year that are both educational and social. Be sure to check out the calendar for their next event.
