ith great pleasure, Las Doñas de la Corte welcomes you to the 69th annual Buccaneer Days Coronation, The Court of Iconic Masterpieces.
Las Doñas de la Corte invites you to explore the creativity and imaginations expressed though the artistic visions of the great master artists of music, literature, art and fashion. You will be taken on a journey revealing these masterpieces created by artisans from different periods of time and different parts of the world. Each of these artists had a monumental impact on the evolution of their art, inspiring generations who followed. Throughout history designs change and creativity adapts but these artistic geniuses withstand the test of time.
We hope you enjoy the beautiful interpretations by our artist, Kathryn Johnson. Her incredible vision is brought to life by couturiers, Gloria Bechara and Samia Bechara-Palfreyman, Andres Contreras, and Lucy Salinas and Monica Castillo.
Las Doñas de la Corte is grateful to The Bend Magazine and all of the advertisers who have made this supplement possible. This treasured keepsake is a beautiful representation of The Court of Iconic Masterpieces and highlights the creative talents of our accomplished artist, dressmakers, and the families who give this beautiful gift to our community.
Mrs. E. V. Bonner, Jr.
Mrs. Roger Sherman Braugh, Jr.
Mrs. Jeffrey Glenn Wigington
Mrs. James Milam Pettus III
Mrs. Brad Clayton Anderson
Mrs. Frank Ney McMillan III
Mrs. Scott Douglass Sutherland
Mrs. Glenn Curtis Mayo
Ms. Renee Whitehurst Cooper
Mrs. Duane Stevens Herbst
Mrs. Jeffrey Glenn Wigington
Mrs. Miguel Angel DeLeon
Ms. Catherine S. Eisenhauer
Mrs. Robert Ted Cuevas
The Hon. Karin E. Knolle
Mrs. George Denwel Barre
Mrs. Robert Andrew Webster
Mrs. Shannon Kyle Smith
Mrs. Scott Douglass Sutherland
Mrs. Frank Ney McMillan III
Mrs. Robert Wilson Madry, Jr.
Mrs. Scott Alan Fagan
Mrs. Scott Earl Landreth
Mrs. Timothy Joseph Ehrman
Mrs. Michael Lewis Mintz
Mrs. Lawrence Michael Carrell
Mrs. Eugene Charles Urban, Jr.
Francis I. Gandy, Jr. KING ALONSO LXIX
Francis I. Gandy, Jr. is the son of the late Crystal and Francis I. Gandy of Corpus Christi, Texas. In 1961 he graduated from Baylor University with a degree in mathematics and served in the United States Marine Corps. Francis is a member of the Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity and was awarded a Juris Doctor degree from Baylor University in 1963. After graduation he returned to Corpus Christi where he practiced law for the next fifty-five years and managed the family farms. He currently serves as a director of Gandy-Robertson Inc. Francis is a member of various organizations and associations, was on the board of Coastal Bend Youth City, Driscoll Hospital and served as a Commissioner for the Port of Corpus Christi. He served as a board member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association and was named a Texas Super Lawyer in 2003. His greatest adventures were sailing with his daughter Jennifer in many regattas throughout Texas and beyond. He served as Commodore of the Corpus Christi Yacht Club in 1978. Francis and his wife Linda are active members of The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd and enjoy traveling and spending time with their friends and family, especially their treasured grandchildren Allie, George and Jake.
Richard Joseph Hatch, Jr. is a lifelong Corpus Christian whose family settled in the Coastal Bend in the 1840s. Rick graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a business degree and a law degree from the University of Houston. He returned to Corpus Christi in 1982 to practice law alongside his father, Richard J. Hatch. After building a private practice as a real estate and construction law attorney, Rick joined Susser Holdings Corporation – Stripes –serving as Assistant General Counsel, and later joined Sunoco LP as Vice President of Real Estate. Currently, Rick is a principal in Odyssey Services Group. He is married to Debra Young Hatch, also a Corpus Christi native and together they have one daughter, Madlyn Hatch Sullivan, who resides in Corpus Christi with her husband Taylor. Rick is a graduate of Leadership Corpus Christi and has served as a board member and president of the Corpus Christi Arts Council, the Del Mar College Foundation, the Ada Wilson Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation, and a member of the Driscoll Children’s Hospital Development Foundation. Rick has always been an avid outdoorsman, especially hunting, fishing and surfing, while sharing outdoor life with his family and friends.
Reagan Travis Brown LORD HIGH STEWARD OF THE HOUSEHOLD
Reagan Travis Brown is a lifelong resident and fourth generation Corpus Christian descending from both the London and Poenisch Families. He and his wife Amy Aldrich Brown are King High School Mustangs and together have a son Fischer and daughter Bayley, both of whom are Veterans Memorial High School Eagles. Reagan graduated from Texas Christian University in 1993 and earned his MBA from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in 1997. Reagan is President of Peterson Development Company and owns commercial property and land holdings throughout the Coastal Bend. Reagan and family are members of The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, where he is a past vestry member and Junior Warden. He is a former board member of the Foster Angels of South Texas, the Texas State Aquarium and the Coastal Conservation Association. Reagan enjoys spending time on or near the coastal waters of Texas and California with his family and their two yellow labs, Bixby and Koa.
Dane Charles Bruun LORD HIGH CHAMBERLAIN
Dane Charles Bruun is the son of Dr. Faye and Lance Bruun of Rockport, Texas. He attended St. James Episcopal School in Corpus Christi, Woodberry Forest School in Virginia, the University of Texas at Austin, and University of Houston Law School. He married Barbara Jane Washburn of Dallas in 2008 and together they have two daughters, Barbara Lovelyn and Isabelle Jane. Dane returned to Corpus Christi in 2007 to work for the law firm of Welder Leshin LLP, where he currently specializes in admiralty and maritime, administrative, and governmental law. He has represented the Port of Corpus Christi Authority as Assistant General Counsel since 2015. Proud of their Christian faith, Dane and his family are active members of The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, where he is a past vestry member, Junior Warden, and currently serves as Treasurer. In addition, Dane serves on the Board of Directors for the Nueces River Authority, appointed by Governor Perry in 2013 and reappointed by Governor Abbott in 2019, and as Co-Chair of Driscoll Children’s Hospital Fiesta de los Niños 2023. He has also volunteered his time and served on the boards of many civic and community organizations including Corpus Christi Young Lawyers Association, Ducks Unlimited - Corpus Christi, and Foster Angels of South Texas.
THE DUCHESS OF SUBLIME BEAUTY Representing the Decorative Craftsmanship of Peter Carl Faberge
Her Grace Karoline Elizabeth of the House of Krockover
THE DUCHESS OF GRACEFUL STRENGTH Representing Tchaikovsky’s Waltz of the Flowers
Her Grace Adelyn Elise of the House of Neblett
THE DUCHESS OF UNBRIDLED ARTISTRY
Representing the Revolutionary Cubist Artist Pablo Picasso
Her Grace Maisyn Brianne Smith of the House of Pusley
THE DUCHESS OF REFINED LUXURY
Representing the Statement Pieces of Louis Vuitton
Her Grace Cassidy Elizabeth of the House of Soward
to the Court of
from your friends at Julian Gold!
Representing Vincent Van Gogh’s The Starry Night
Her Grace Isabella Marie of the House of Ysassi
Her
Margaret
Her Grace Hannah Cassie of the
From Rye, New York
Her Grace Ellie Suzanne of the House of Seitz
Representing Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden From Austin, Texas
Her Grace Leelee Elizabeth of the House of Shaw
THE DUCHESS OF TIMELESS TREASURES
Representing Raphael’s Tapestries
From Sinton, Texas
Her Grace Anna Welder of the House of Thomas
From Sinton, Texas
Her Grace Stella Griffith of the House of Thomas
Representing the Vibrant Creativity of Oscar de la Renta From San Antonio, Texas
Her Grace Abigail Jewel of the House of Wagner
Kathryn Barnett Johnson was raised with a passion for all things artistic. She was classically educated as a youth and gained a rich knowledge of timeless literature, theology, art, music, dance, and history. Born in California to a Navy pilot and the daughter of a Corpus Christi pastor, Kathryn was introduced to many interests, but knew early on that art was her great love. Upon moving to Corpus Christi, she began her formal training in painting at the age of 14 and honed her skills in watercolor, oil and acrylic as well as igniting a lifelong love for teaching. She would later go on to study Studio Art and Art History at Del Mar College, Laguna Gloria School of Art in Austin and Texas A&M Corpus Christi.
Kathryn began teaching art in various Classical and Christian private schools around the country. Upon moving back to the Coastal Bend in 2010, she developed a K-12th grade art program and curriculum from the ground up for Annapolis Christian Academy, which received ACCS (Association of Classical Christian Schools) commendations in 2021. Kathryn recently moved to Lexington, Kentucky where she is again developing a high school classical art program for Trinity Classical School.
For Kathryn, art cannot be separated from its historical and cultural roots. Her faith is an essential part of her life and artistic inspiration. Her own work is layered with a generous use of symbolism, a tool she wields to reveal deeper theological truths. As an artist and art educator she sees art as a way to engage with God, others and ourselves through the universal language of artistic expression. She believes truth, goodness and beauty are the essential means that communicate the human experience no matter what time period, culture or ethnicity. Art is one of the beautiful gifts that connect us to God and to one another.
Andres Contreras, one of six children, was born in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico where he began his sewing career by making custom draperies. In 1984, Andres moved to Corpus Christi and was fortunate to meet his mentor and friend, Monica Castillo, a longtime dressmaker for Las Doñas de la Corte, who graciously shared her extensive knowledge with him for more than 15 years. Andres fell in love with the process of dressmaking by using rich fabrics, crystals and jewels. In 1999, Andres began designing and constructing the dresses for the Hi-Fairnessee Girls Club and continues to create them to this day. In 2007, Andres became an official dressmaker for Las Doñas de la Corte. His most memorable moment was when his mother viewed his work for the first time. She was so overcome, she grabbed his hand and kissed him and told him, “God bless you and never stop using your talent!” Andres now shares his acquired knowledge and talent with his assistant, Monica Isaguirre. This team shares a mutual love of shopping for all the exquisite beads, jewels, and fabrics to create these remarkable gowns, trains and headpieces for the stage and your enjoyment.
Gloria Bechara has been a dressmaker for Las Doñas de la Corte for over thirty-five years. She was born in Mexico City to Lebanese emigrants. Because her father was a lingerie manufacturer, Gloria grew up learning the art of finishing garments and how to operate large sewing equipment. She often traveled to the United States to visit her sister, Alicia Hamauei, one of the longtime Las Doñas de la Corte dressmakers and began making gowns herself after moving to Corpus Christi with her husband. Gloria, who excels in the detail work demanded by many of the court dress designs, has trained her two daughters, Samia and Latife, to do the same. Samia Bechara-Palfreyman, now a full-time partner with her mother’s couture house, is not only an accomplished dressmaker, but has also created designs for past courts. Latife Bechara-Medina enjoys working along with her mother and sister in the fine detailing of the dresses, along with Mary Haltom-McFarland.
Lupita Espinoza, Lucille Salinas, Monica Castillo, and Norma Lomeli Salinas
Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Monica Castillo showed artistic talent at a young age. While at Mount Sacred Heart Catholic School in San Antonio, she was encouraged to take art classes due to her natural abilities. Monica shared her talents and passion for art through the creation and design of seven courts for Las Doñas de la Corte. She has created dresses and gowns for over four decades for Las Doñas de la Corte and many other organizations. Her daughter, Lucy Salinas, started helping her mother sew appliques at the age of ten and began pattern making at thirteen. She fell in love with the artistry and began creating gowns for Las Doñas de la Corte in 1987. While Monica still offers her expert advice for exquisite headpieces, carries and royalty collars, Lucy became the head of the family couture house in 2011. With a gift for pattern design and dressmaking, Lucy has created her own legacy within the dressmaker circle. Lucy’s daughter-in-law, Norma Lomeli Salinas, has joined the family legacy by instituting her creative talents in rhinestone design, appliques and beading. Lupita Espinoza has been with the group for several years and adds her talent with her astonishing beading.
As part of our ongoing community outreach each year, Las Doñas Duchesses and Escorts participating in the Coronation Celebration take time to create 100 care packages for Driscoll Children’s Hospital. Their hand-crafted cards and packages bring joy, laughter, and a little bit of sparkle to each one of the children and their families.
We know that our Duchesses and Escorts will benefit from this opportunity through volunteer service. To learn more about Driscoll Children’s Hospital visit www.driscollchildrens.org.
In addition to all of the time-honored Coronation traditions, Las Doñas de la Corte is also proud to be a partner with the Coastal Bend Community Foundation in supporting our South Texas community. Through the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, Las Doñas encourages giving in honor of court participants.
Over the past eight years, with the generosity of family and friends, donations to the Coastal Bend Community Foundation in honor of Coronation participants total nearly $70,000 — a number that has been matched by the Foundation and given to support the needs of an extensive list of deserving charities. Areas of giving range from healthcare and human services to education, the environment and the arts, all of which serve the needs of children, adults, and the elderly throughout South Texas.
To donate in honor of a court participant or for more information about the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, visit www.cbcfoundation.org or by telephone at 361.882.9745
The Buccaneer Illuminated Night Parade, established in 1954, brings family and community together each year as thousands line the streets of Corpus Christi to take in the magical floats, marching bands and the elaborate entertainment provided along the route. Las Doñas participation in the Buccaneer Days Parade began in 1954 with a single float. Today that tradition continues with multiple specially designed floats carrying Duchesses dressed in their Coronation gowns and trains as they share in this annual community celebration. To learn more about the Buccaneer Illuminated Night Parade visit www.bucdays.com
Mr. Noah Charles Fuller
Escorting Miss Katherine Jane Anderson
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Charles Fuller
Mr. Maxwell Curran Martini
Escorting Miss Kaitlin Rose Davidson
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Lee Martini
Mr. George Mitchell Webster
Escorting Miss Mollie Caprice Freymiller
Son of Dr. and Mrs. Robert Andrew Webster
Mr. Joshua Tyler DeLuca
Escorting Miss Jacqueline Alicia Galvan
Son of Ms. Angela Morin DeLuca
Mr. Warren John DeLuca
Mr. Peyton Wheeler Meares
Escorting Miss Karoline Elizabeth Krockover
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Douglas Meares
Mr. Cannon Lewis Moren
Escorting Miss Ashlyn Elizabeth Madry
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Douglas Moren
Mr. William Griffith Petrus
Escorting Miss Adelyn Elise Neblett
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Will Robertson Petrus
Mr. Carson Reid Flinn
Escorting Miss Grace Elizabeth Schlimmer
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Craig Flinn
Mr. Charles Huntington Hornsby VI
Escorting Miss Emily Claire Sheets
Son of Dr. and Mrs. Charles Hunter Hornsby
Mr. William Rockne Anderson
Escorting Miss Maisyn Brianne Smith
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Brad Clayton Anderson
Mr. Brandon Powers Trammell
Escorting Miss Cassidy Elizabeth Soward
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Barry Kyle Trammel
Mr. Avery Crain Aitken
Escorting Miss Katherine Adele Wandel
Son of Dr. and Mrs. Alexander Tolford Aitken and the late Jennifer Crain Aitken
Mr. Oscar Christian Ramos
Escorting Miss Isabella Marie Ysassi
Son of The Honorable Nelva Ramos and Mr. Oscar Alonzo Ramos
Mr. Jackson Miller Soward
Escorting Miss Margaret Miriam Bass
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Forrest Soward III
Mr. Robert Wilson Madry IV
Escorting Miss Hannah Cassie Boyd
Son of Dr. and Mrs. Robert Wilson Madry III
Mr. Ian Fletcher Schulz
Escorting Miss Jennifer Maverick Clements
Son of Ms. Judy Survant Schulz and the late Evan Fletcher Schulz
Mr. Christian Peter Hansen
Escorting Miss Elizabeth Ann Crawford
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Bernell Hansen
Mr. Matthew Carter Benkendorfer
Escorting Miss Ellie Suzanne Seitz
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Carter Conrad Benkendorfer
Mr. John Morris Richardson
Escorting Miss Leelee Elizabeth Shaw
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Morris Wade Richardson
Mr. Dawson McCoy Dean
Escorting Miss Anna Welder Thomas
Son of Mr. and Mrs. David William Dean
Mr. Colton Welder Anderson
Escorting Miss Stella Griffith Thomas
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Brad Clayton Anderson
Mr. Carlos Francisco Rosando
Escorting Miss Abigail Jewel Wagner
Son of Ms. Elizabeth Inez Spielhagen
Mr. Carlos Octavio Rosado
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Designer of the Royal Robes
Kathryn Barnett Johnson
Couturiers of the Royal Robes
Gloria Bechara and Samia Bechara-Palfreyman, Andres Contreras, Lucille Salinas and Monica Castillo
Photographers for the Royal Court
Raymond Gray and Fonzie Muñoz
Our sincere appreciation to the following supporters:
American Bank, Cantwell Mattress, Coldwell Banker Pacesetter Steel Realtors, Halcyon Med Spa, Park Seven, The King’s Men, Hicks Automotive Group, San Jacinto Title Services of Texas LLC
THE BEND MAGAZINE
Jordan Regas • President
Kaley Regas • Vice President
Chris Knapick • Publisher
Kylie Cooper • Editor in Chief
Jarred Schuetze • Art Director
Alexa Rodriguez • Managing Editor
Gloria Stauber • Account Executive
Las Doñas de laCorte Presents TheCoronation Royal Gown and Train Exhibit
Thursday, May 11, 2023 – Thursday, May 25 , 2023
Art Center of Corpus Christi, 100 N. Shoreline Boulevard No Charge for Admission
Las Doñas de la Corte dedicates this supplement in memory of our cherished and devoted members, Ms. Kay Powers Mantor Mrs. Donald Parker McClure
Cotton and Cantwell Mattress Company have been South Texas icons for years. Cotton has been a staple in the South Texas economy for hundreds of years. At Cantwell Mattress Company, we have used 100% all-natural cotton in our hand-crafted mattresses since 1920. Today over 100 years later, we still use 100% all-natural cotton in the mattresses we build. We at Cantwell believe the young women of Las Doñas de la Corte will become the new iconic masterpieces of South Texas.
FRONT ROW L-R
Doug Nichols 361-739-2251
Linda Cantu 361-739-4148
Veronica Duncan 361-290-0454
Sissy Deane 361-726-1771
Salli Dennis White 361-356-0344
Zoe Gottlich 361-813-9460
Cathy Mehne 361-774-4514
Mary Beecroft 361-945-5755
Grier Gottlich 361-290-1413
SECOND ROW L-R
Star Garza 361-737-1983
Faryce Macon 361-815-4608
Kim Zill 361-558-5577
Lisa Hunt 361-726-8131
Gwyn Richter 361--548-7442
Amy Hyde 361-500-7075
Janet Freeman 512-923-6024 TOP
L-R
Jeff Mumme 361-945-2082
Jennifer Thomas 361-765-7515
Lisa Russell 310-916-2114
Diane Walker 361-775-8135
Wendie Swift 361-765-5331
Natasa Davis 361-876-1237
