Southwest School Of Art Celebrates The Spirit Of The 60s

By Jake Gaines     Photography by Jim Landers Photography

THE SETTING: Southwest School of Art welcomed guests back to the beautiful McNutt Gardens for a groovy celebration, rescheduled due to the pandemic, themed Imagine, inspired by the life and music of John Lennon and all the great artists of the 1960s. To begin the festivities, the Gale Art Sale enticed art lovers to collect new acquisitions in the Coates Chapel that included dy-no-mite pieces contributed by notable local, national, and international artists. Gala patrons were welcomed to the event and thanked for their generosity by SSA Board Chair Randy Cain and President Paula Owen. Co-chairs Sara and Jeremy Jessop gave special thanks to Stephanie Canales, the gala’s general manager.

THE STYLE: The attendees then proceeded to the main event. The tables, spaced with proper social distancing, were beautifully decorated in psychedelic colors for the sold-out event of almost 500 guests with linens by Illusions Rentals & Designs and flowers by Trinity Flowers & Events. Guests were treated to scrumptious passed hors d’oeuvres and a delectable dinner provided by Club Giraud. It featured a duet entrée of charbroiled medallion of tenderloin, topped with sautéed wild mushrooms and sautéed jumbo prawns with garlic caper beurre blanc on acini de pepe pomodoro served with a sautéed spring vegetable medley. The meal ended with a 60s favorite, a decadent Lemon Chiffon Pie with fresh blueberries & Lemon Sauce Anglaise. In keeping with a new tradition, the evening of fun, food, music, and art ended with an outta sight after party in the Frost Garden. Albert Steves’ band, Mothership, created a Studio 54-style atmosphere for guests to dance the night away, with more tempting food and libations as well.

THE PURPOSE: All proceeds benefited the Southwest School of Art, now accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, and Texas’ only independent college of art. The mission of the Southwest School of Art is to teach and advance the visual arts for the benefit of students seeking higher education and for others seeking education and enrichment.