Art openings are probably my and Kate's favorite kind of event to shoot. It's fun to hobnob with hipsters, argue with artists, yip with yuppies, converse with curators, or just sip some Franzia while looking at art. Some keen and enlightened people, like our friends at www.mplsart.com, appreciate and promote the art opening events that happen at dozens of independent galleries in Minneapolis... And St. Paul.

But all too often, local A & E publications fail to differentiate the special event that is an art gallery opening from the day-to-day, ongoing gallery viewing hours. They never make that mistake with the Walker After Hours party. It's the juggernaut of Twin Cities art gallery openings and is bigger, badder and more glammer than just about anything else in town that night. All the beautiful people show up in their most beautiful outfits. It's always packed and I think it usually sells out, even though they charge $35 ($25 for members) a head to get in.

The three-hour party starts quickly and long lines form around the new artwork. I don't think I've ever been to an After Hours party and actually seen the artwork because time flies by when you're at a giant party drinking cocktails, taking pictures, meeting new people and running into lots of friends. I'd rather stop by later and see the exhibit when I'm in a state of mind more conducive for appreciating art.

This After Hours was every bit the glamtastic soirée we've seen before. Only this time Wolfgang Puck served up some tasty little grilled-cheese sandwiches. And I think they used a lot more red lighting than they usually do.

Photos and text by Stephen Stephens