Refinery.

Though I have been to exhibit opening parties at the AGA, I had yet to attend one of their Refinery late night art parties... until this past Saturday. It was an absolute blast! Drinks, snow cones, burlesque performances, temporary installations in addition to the regular exhibits, DJs, and lots of people ready for a fun time.

The dress code for the evening was "Lumberjack Formal". This basically meant that nobody really knew what was going on. Though, a general theme of The North seemed to prevail amongst the attendees, resulting in the general proliferation of plaids and furs in attire.

Since none of my plaid currently fits, I decided to go as a fancy arctic fox, with that crazy hat I have.

The evening's artistic director, Fish Griwkowsky, was very fine in a top hat.

And we saw these amazing bearded folks (now I am dying for one of those crochet beards)!

Amidst all the mixing and mingling, we did end up spending a considerable amount of time in Ragnar Kjartansson's installation, The End.

But then it was back to the northern ladies and gents.

And my fancy shoes.

The music was dance inducing.

Though people were crawling all over every floor.

And I got selected to participate in the costume competition! I didn't win, but it was fun to get chosen.

Ran into lots of friends.

Enjoyed girly chit chat while chomping on bags of popcorn.

People-watched.

Dancing in the stairwell.

And finally it was time to take the elevator down into the LRT station, where we got back to our parked car, piled our friends in, and I (designated pregnant driver) gave folks a lift home to the south side. Late late at night, in dresses and heels, in -20C weather... the carpool makes a lot of sense.

The next Refinery party should be some time in the new year. Perhaps I'll see you there? Next time I have to wear flats, for extended dance opportunities.

Stay warm!