Briscoe Western Art Museum Presents Annual Sale And Exhibition

By Jake Gaines    Photography by Mark Humphries Photography and Sun Gold Photography

THE SETTING: Each year, the Briscoe Western Art Museum draws art enthusiasts, collectors, and visitors for an opportunity to view and purchase nearly 300 works of painting, sculpture, and mixed media from 75 of the country’s leading contemporary western artists. This year was no different as The Night of Artists event and weekend of festivities were hosted on the banks of the iconic San Antonio River Walk. Attendees were also able to enjoy panel discussions exploring the emerging western art market and trends.

THE STYLE: The wide range of artworks and artist genres reflects the vastness of the great American West. From scenic landscapes, inspired Native Americans, and classic cowboys to stunning wildlife and detailed portraiture, there is something for every attendee and art enthusiast to enjoy. Some of the featured artists included Martin Grelle, George Hallmark, Z.S. Liang, Kenny McKenna, Jan Mapes, Don Oelze, Gladys Rolden de Moras, Paul Rhymer, Stefan Savides, Billy Schenck, Michael Ome Untiedt, Kim Wiggins, and Xiang Zhang.

The opening weekend included a Collectors Summit panel discussion, a VIP preview and a live auction on Friday. The live auction drew art sales of more than $551,000. Then, on Saturday, the fun continued with the Collectors Summit, a trunk show with Clint Orms, the Artists Awards Luncheon, and the opening of the Night of Artists Exhibition and “Luck of the Draw” sale. Delicious food stations, libations, and live music under the stars rounded out the night. The museum’s public exhibition continued with all unsold artwork available for purchase.

THE PURPOSE: The Night of Artists is the largest fundraiser for the Briscoe Western Art Museum, and this year raised $1.9 million, with the proceeds benefitting the museum. The Briscoe Western Art Museum is a collections-based institution building upon art and artifacts that tell the vast and multifaceted story of the American West.

McNay Art Museum Gala Dining With The Masters Returns After Two-Year Hiatus

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by David Sixt Photography

THE SETTING: The McNay Art Museum’s gala, Dining with the Masters: Georgia O’Keeffe and American Modernism welcomed 200 friends and supporters returning to the museum for a gala after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

The elegant evening unveiled an exclusive preview of Georgia O’Keeffe and American Modernism, a focus exhibition that brings together masterpieces from the McNay’s collection–including Evening Star No. 5 and From the Plains I–with key loans from the Whitney Museum of American Art and sister institutions within and beyond Texas. The exhibition is the first substantial presentation of O’Keeffe’s work at the McNay since the landmark O’Keeffe and Texas in 1998. The masterful exhibit featuring artworks by O’Keeffe’s contemporaries, including Marsden Hartley, Yasuo Kuniyoshi, and Helen Torr, presents an innovative, inclusive celebration befitting the first modern art museum in Texas.

THE STYLE: The Leeper Auditorium was stunning with the color palette looking as if it came directly from an O’Keeffe painting. David Garcia and his team from Statue of Design created stunning centerpieces and floral chandeliers that floated above guest’s tables. Don Strange of Texas treated guests to a sumptuous dinner. Many of the recipes for the evening came directly from Georgia O’Keeffe’s kitchen, including the pecan butterball cookies, which were given to guests as they departed. After dinner, guests made their way to the AT&T Lobby for dessert and music by DJ Despeinada.

THE PURPOSE: The mother and daughter duo, Betty Lou Sheerin and Kate Sheerin, chaired the gala, the museum’s largest annual fundraiser. The title sponsors were Neiman Marcus San Antonio and Valero. Proceeds from the gala benefit the McNay’s education, exhibition, and conservation programs, enabling the museum to continue its mission of engaging a diverse community in the discovery and enjoyment of the visual arts.

San Antonio Gardenia Club Luncheon Celebrates Fashion And Fine Arts

By Jake Gaines                     Photography by Jenna-Beth Lyde

THE SETTING: Recently, at the Argyle Club, a glorious luncheon and style show unfolded on a sunny afternoon celebrating a Splendour On The Lawn theme. The event’s top-tier table attendees were initially welcomed at a VIP pre-party in the Champagne Room to kick off the afternoon of fun ahead.   

 THE STYLE: Attendees mingled in anticipation of the main event, the annual fashion show, a sensational runway of this season’s best fashions. Presented by Julian Gold and produced by Emily McMichael of R World Productions, the summery styles presented something for everyone, from pretty sundresses to resort wear and beyond. Serving as event emcee was past Gardenia Club President Siobhain Buckley, while the 2020-2022 Gardenia Club President Laura Humphries offered the group’s appreciation to its members, volunteers, and guests. The event-goers applauded a special performance by Melissa Gonzalez, representing The Woodlawn Theater & Woodlawn Academy. Also, a fine arts recognition donation was made to the Ballet Conservatory of South Texas on behalf of the Gardenia Club.

THE PURPOSE: The event was co-chaired by Sharron Batchelor and Christi Tidwell, who announced the fortunate silent auction and door prizes winners. The San Antonio Gardenia Club was founded in 1960 with the mission of providing fine arts scholarships to students within the San Antonio area. The club also participates in the annual Fiesta Battle of Flowers, Texas Cavaliers River Parade, and the Annual Holiday Parade.