The Party at the DCMA

"Pleasant evening to you Mr. Bellmonte, the hospital is quite well indeed. Enjoy the wonderful art Ms. Clark has so graciously arranged for us to see."

(Victor walks in wearing his usual black biker outfit, but with a long sleeve black shirt) * walks around looking at the Art.

"... I'll come back when you are more present, Mr Blank" Vanessa mutters as she wanders away - just in time to join Dr Belgarde and Anthony in conversation.

She loops her arm easily through her Primogen's, leaning against him with casual familiarity. "Why thank you! I was a little worried that the venue wasn't, ah, accessible enough - but most seem to be enjoying it. Ms Wells and Mr Starns both put in appearances, though they've left already. Did you know that Thana takes an interest in art? I'll admit it surprised me a little. I suppose appearances really can be deceiving. She is very pleasant, when she isn't yelling at me." She giggles as a thought strikes her "Maybe that is why she and Mr Starns get along so well! Since they have that in common."

"I think perhaps the gallery was the wrong choice if we wanted to have an intelligent conversation with Mr Blank. He's, ah, mentally elsewhere." Her gesture takes in the Toreador just a few feet away - who is still preoccupied with the art on the walls.

Anastasya arrives rather late in the evening, slipping into an act of confidence, and a few "human" tricks she easily gets past the bouncer.

Walking in she avoids looking at the art work on the walls she is here to be social, not stare at art all night.

"Oh, Mr Blank was the last person I was worried about." Vanessa puts on a very diplomatic smile.

"My understanding, Doctor, is that the Gallery doesn't sell the pieces. Rather they display them, and encourage you to reach out to the artist directly if you wish to make a purchase - and I gather that many will work on commission as well, if you want something more tailored. If there was a specific piece that caught your eye, I'm sure I either know or know someone who knows the artist. Remind me to collect your contact information later, and I will put you in touch."

Vanessa takes the card smoothly and glances it over once before it disappears into her clutch.

"Of course. Why don't you show me which caught your eye?" she makes to follow the Doctor, her hold on Anthony meaning that he is coming, too.

(OOG: I don't think TJ is on the forums often. I am taking liberties with his character for continuity purposes )

"I'm sensing a theme!" Vanessa giggles at her own joke.

"I hope you don't mind me asking, Doctor. Your study of the brain. Did it predate your, uh-" she taps the side of her neck meaningfully, right where the cheesiest B movies would put marks from a vampire bite. "Or was it inspired by it?"

"How long ago, if you don't mind me asking?"

Vanessa smiles grimly. "So, less long ago than we'd like to think. Even as enlightened as the Kine seem to think they are these days, there are certain assumptions made about women who dare to have careers - much less to pursue fields like medicine or finance." She indicates the Doctor on 'medicine' and herself on 'finance.'

"Anything remotely difficult is still considered a male field. And the eldest of us are still subject to the prejudices we held in life. Did you know that there are parts of the world where Ventrue are actively discouraged from siring females? It is assumed that we are less capable of holding leadership positions."

"Honestly I haven't inquired - it would seem self serving, I'm sure. I've not yet encountered any overt prejudice in Dallas, at least. It seems that old ways of thinking don't survive as well under pressure. Bigotry is a luxury."

Anastasya walks over to the group where Vanessa is. "Miss Clark, I am sorry to interrupt, but if you have a moment, I would like to speak to you on a matter concerning the Arts."

"Well, it's an excellent location for it! What can I do for you, Anastasya?"

"When I first arrived in Dallas Juan Palo mentioned opening a theater to me. I still fully intend to open the theater, but due to his untimely demise I no longer have the funding to do so. I would like to speak to you and the rest of his clan involving this matter before I have to find funding elsewhere as he was the one who entrusted the idea to me."

"Oh darling, unless you have something truly outrageous planned I don't see any reason to drag the other Ventrue into this. I knew Juan for only a little while, but he was kind to me in that time period. If I can fulfill one of his obligations - and bring more sophistication to the city in the process - I am thrilled to help.

Tell me - do you have a business plan drawn up? How much capital do you need?"

"I do not as I have not able to find a place for it to stand just yet."

Vanessa shakes her head at the retreating Malk. She speaks with Anastasia as if nothing had happened.

"I understand. That is something I can help you with, of course. Why don't you tell me a little more about it?"

"I was thinking of a more older style in architecture, with some modern aspects within it and also in the technical part of the theater."