Goss Michael Foundation Opening Party Of Exhibition By Marquis Duriel Lewis
By
Rob Giardinelli Photography by Daniel Driensky
Elizabeth O’Mahony, Geoff Green, Sara Hignite, Elsbeth Weempe and Kevin Ruben Jacobs
The Goss Michael Foundation Gallery in Dallas was the recent setting for an evening of art, culture and conversation. The opening of the Goss Michael Foundation’s, known as GMF, latest exhibit, featuring the works of acclaimed artist Marquis Duriel Lewis, known by his many fans as RETNA, drew over 200 of the most notable art patrons in the Dallas area including GMF Co-Founder Kenny Goss, GMF Executive Director Joyce Goss, Real Housewives of Dallas stars D’Andra Simmons, Kameron Westcott and Fida Lewis, mother of Marquis Duriel Lewis.
During the course of the evening, the contemporary-chic crowd sipped on rose wines courtesy of Chateau D’Esclans while enjoying the works of the artists located in three separate galleries inside the GMF space. The exhibit features a host of contemporary, abstract pieces many of which featuring bright colors as vibrant as the patrons on hand to experience the art on view. This allowed for conversation to flow as freely as the Rose with each having their own unique takes and inspirations of the art that was on view.
Kenny Goss, Fida Lewis and Maxine Trowbridge
Patrons who attended event supported the Goss Michael Foundation gallery in Dallas, which supports and showcases contemporary artists based in the United States and the United Kingdom. The show, presented by The Goss-Michael Foundation in partnership with Artrinity, has been curated by Max Trowbridge, co-founder and director, Artrinity. To book a private tour of the Marquis Duriel Lewis (aka RETNA) exhibit, on display through Saturday, November 9th visit g-mf.org.
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Bruno and Fort Lion Studio
THE SETTING: The Statler Hotel in Dallas was the setting for the eighth annual MTV RE:DEFINE Art Auction and Gala. Over 300 notable Sociables from Dallas, London and beyond were on hand for a fantastic evening of fun and fundraising.
THE STYLE: The evening began with cocktails where the rocker chic-attired crowd sipped cocktails while previewing 30 pieces of exemplary contemporary art and luxury experiences up for bid during the benefit auction. The action then moved into the ballroom for the evening’s program, which was emceed by MTV’s Rebecca Dudley.
Highlights of the program included a live-auction helmed by world-renowned auctioneer Simon de Pury, who presided over spirited bidding of many priceless works. Among the items up for bid were two works from Marc Quinn, who was also honored during the program for his long-standing support of MTV RE:DEFINE. The program was concluded with a show-stopping performance by superstar Rita Ora. The fun continued well past midnight as partygoers danced the night away at an after party to the tunes of internationally known DJ Aeroplane who was flown in specifically for the event by after party host Giorgio of Los Angeles, capping off a magical evening that those on hand will always remember.
THE PURPOSE: The event was co-hosted by Joyce Goss and Kenny Goss, chaired by Sami Abboud, with Jonny Burt and Joe Kennedy serving as art chairs and raised over $1.6 million dollars. Proceeds from the evening will go toward HIV prevention and education through the MTV Staying Alive Foundation as well as arts education and awareness through the Goss Michael Foundation. Since it’s founding in 2011, MTV: REDEFINE has raised over $14 million dollars for these causes.
