On December 11, WALTER joined first lady Kristin Cooper and members of the Executive Mansion Fine Arts Committee for an exclusive tour of the Executive Mansion before it opened to the public for the holidays.
Written by Ayn-Monique Klahre  |  photography by Workshop Media

On December 11, WALTER joined first lady Kristin Cooper and members of the Executive Mansion Fine Arts Committee for an exclusive tour of the Executive Mansion before it opened to the public for the holidays. During the cocktail hour, guests roamed from room to room, making themselves comfortable among the antiques and glittering decor in the ladies’ parlor and gentleman’s lounge. Mrs. Cooper welcomed guests into the “People’s Home,” then posed for photos and showed off her personal touches to the decor.

At the event, we heard about the history of the Executive Mansion and its furnishings from Jennie Hayman, Chair of the Executive Mansion Fine Arts Committee and Executive Mansion Fund, Michael Ausbon, Decorative Arts Curator for the Executive Mansion and Nancy Andrews, a committee member Executive Mansion Fund. The team showed us vintage sketches of the State silver—normally kept under lock and key—and told us which pieces of furniture are North Carolina treasures to look for while touring the space, including a newly-found antique from craftsman Thomas Day.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Pigfish Lane Antiques and Interiors, and supporting sponsor Overture Centennial for making the event possible. We’d also like to thank the Executive Mansion staff—particularly Chef Ryan McGuire, who made the delicious food—as well as Westgate Wine, Attended Events and Green Front Interiors & Rugs for creating an evening to remember.