THE SCENE: Austin’s ZACH Scott Theatre was the setting for one of the Capital City’s most notable spring sociable events. The 300 guests who were fortunate enough to be a part of ZACH Theatre’s Red, Hot & Soul were treated to an unforgettable evening of fundraising which included a revamped format, dazzling performances, an inspiring theme, and fundraising that kept the fun going into throughout the evening.
THE VIBE: The black tie crowd knew they were in for a special evening before they entered the lobby of the Topfer Theatre on the ZACH campus for cocktails. Upon entering, guests were dazzled by a stunning display of masquerade art and floral design created by celebrity florist David Kurio, which made for the perfect, modern step and repeat, where many guests were spotted taking photos to commemorate the evening.
Once inside the lobby of the Topfer Theatre guests sipped on their favorite cocktails while mingling and admiring the Venetian-inspired masks of other patrons The cocktail hour happened against the backdrop of performance artists throughout the lobby that gave the space an extra layer of fun and excitement for the festivities ahead.
In a new twist for this year’s event, the action then moved to the Topfer Theatre stage for the main program. Many jaws dropped as the crowd took their seats on the main stage where they were greeted by aerialists above the stage for additional ambiance of a Venetian Carnivale.
KXAN anchor Jennifer Sanders served as emcee and effortlessly kept the evening going at a brisk, informative pace throughout. Highlights of the program included a delicious multi-course meal, touching tributes, entertaining performances from various members of the ZACH Theater company, and a spirited live auction where winners of packages were greeted with confetti poppers and champagne. The evening was capped off where the fun initially began in the lobby of the Topfer Theater for a lively after-party. Guests were seen dancing the night away, capping off a fabulous evening that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.
THE NONPROFIT: The event, co-chaired by Donn Gauger and Maxx Judd, raised funds for ZACH Scott Theatre. Proceeds raised from the event went to fund ZACH Scott Theatre programs. Each year, the ZACH Scott Theatre serves over 125,000 Central Texans which includes over 55,000 children through an engaging mix of programs including camps, classes, performances as well as education and outreach programs
THE PURPOSE: It was a stunning spring night at the Blanton Museum of Art where 350 of Texas’ (and the country’s) most notable art patrons and sociables gathered for an unforgettable night of art, fun, and fundraising. The Blanton Museum of Art’s 60th anniversary gala highlighted its storied history with an epic gala and it’s perfectly named theme, A New Landscape, that celebrated the completed transformation of the museum’s New Grounds Initiative that was over a decade in the making.
Carrie Healy and Clayton Maebius
The scene at the Blanton Museum Of Art 2023 gala
THE STYLE: The artful, black-tie crowd was dazzled from the second they walked up to the newly transformed grounds, where patrons were mesmerized by the white petal installation. The refraction of the early evening sun against a permanent installation of three-story tall white petals highlighted the installation. It created a magical glow around the entire space where many could be seen taking images and videos of these exquisite new grounds…and the art that adorns it. The installation, located on the Moody Patio of the Blanton Museum, allows the public to view and take in this space for free.
Suzanne Deal Booth and LeMel Humes
Anthony Grant and Jack Shear
Revelers then explored the grounds both inside and outside the museum for a lively cocktail hour, where after partygoers enjoyed a glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne, and mingled as they toasted and celebrated the significant and historical artistic milestone of one of the state’s most beloved and world-class art institutions. Additionally, guests could be seen taking photos on a gorgeous step and repeat to commemorate the night.
Chris Hyams, Emma Hyams and Mazie Hyams
Linda van Bavel and Sarah Butler
Patrons then headed to the beautifully erected tent on the exterior museum grounds for the evening’s main program. The open aired tent allowed for the picture-perfect weather to envelop the space as guests had stunning views of the Texas State Capitol to the south and Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin, located on the grounds of the Blanton Museum, to the north. As guests dined on a delectable, multi-course meal, they were treated to words from organization leaders, board members, and prominent supporters of the organization.
Jasmine and Lamarr Houston, Kenyon Adams, Suzanne McFayden & Christian Palominos
Jill Wilkinson and Holly Borham
The festivities continued with a “petals up” auction, that offered a clever spin to the traditional paddles up auction, while serving as a nod to the new installation which raised over $250,000. The evening was capped off with a toast by Blanton Museum Director Simone Wicha, who perfectly summed up the night by saying “I’m really proud of what we are doing together. The journey of the Blanton, from its layered history to today, to where we are going is all built on people…artists and visitors, teachers and students, alumni and residents, alumni and local residents, university partners and business leaders all who keep the museum vibrant and flowing.”
Lara and Bill Perkins
Rob Giardinelli, Kelli Blanton and Lance Avery Morgan
THE PURPOSE: The event raised over $1.3 million for the Blanton Museum of Art. Proceeds raised from the event will help fund exhibitions as well as education and public programs.
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.
Dallas Museum of Art’s 54th Annual Art Ball Highlights Museum’s Permanent Collection
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Tamytha Cameron and George Fiala
THE SETTING: A picture-perfect evening on the beautiful grounds of the Dallas Museum of Art was the setting for one of Texas’ most anticipated annual fundraising events. The 54th annual Art Ball by the Dallas Museum of Art titled Form & Function: A Celebration of Craftsmanship Throughout the Collection showcased the beauty and breadth of the museum’s permanent collection. In all, several hundred of the state’s most influential and prominent art patrons, philanthropists and collectors attended to celebrate this beloved and iconic destination of the Arts.
THE STYLE: The fun began for the black-tie crowd with a lively cocktail hour where long-time friends reacquainted and new friends were made as they sipped cocktails courtesy of Belvedere, Glenmorangie, Hennessy and Ruinart. Partygoers were dazzled by the gorgeous décor inspired by the DMA’s permanent collection, with a moss green, dusty rose and raw wood palette that perfectly captured both the essence of the permanent collection and the late-spring evening. Adding to the fun was a mural sponsored by Neiman Marcus where patrons were invited to express their artistic side by coloring on the mural in bold and bright colors.
The festivities continued as guests took their seats to enjoy a delectable four course dinner catered by Cassandra Fine Catering, where the conversation flowed as freely as the wines that accompanied the meal. As the dessert portion was being served, the live auction commenced. Robbie Gordy of Christie’s helmed the spirited bidding which netted over $390,000 and included such luxe items as a Kenyan Safari, an exclusive fashion experience with Moda Operandi and a first-timer experience at the upcoming Two X Two for AIDS and Art. The evening was capped off with an after party where revelers danced the night away into the wee hours of the morning to the tunes of DJ Elusive.
THE PURPOSE: The event, co-chaired by Lindsey Collins and Amanda Shufeldt, raised funds for Dallas Museum of Art’s community engagement and education programs for the iconic Dallas institution that draws over 800,000 visitors annually. Over the past 54 years, DMA’s Art Ball has raised over $29 million to support this mission.
Elizabeth Ann Seton Board’s Live From ATX! Gala Dazzles
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Ben Porter
THE SETTING: A picture perfect evening at Austin’s Camp Mabry was the recent setting for the 28th Annual EASB Live from ATX!event. This year’s gathering attracted over 1,200 of Austin’s sociables, philanthropists and community leaders for an evening of fun and fundraising.
THE STYLE: Dressed in their finest chic spring attire, the revelry began with a cocktail hour under the beautiful early evening sun, creating a welcoming and festive environment where old friends reacquainted and new friends were made. Partygoers were then asked to proceed inside the large, open aired tent on the Camp Mabry grounds for the evening’s program.
Once inside, guests dined al fresco at their tables where the conversation continued to flow as beautifully as the gentle breezes that wafted throughout the tent. The program featured a live auction where guests robustly engaged in bidding on an array of luxury packages and VIP experiences. The program concluded with a show-stopping performance by musician and Texas native, Shinyribs. The fun continued well into the night with an after party where partygoers danced the night away under the stars to the tunes of LC Rocks.
THE PURPOSE: The event, chaired by Lisa Miller and Ann Townsend, raised over $1.4 million for the Marialice Shivers Regional NICU and Mother Baby Services for the Ascension Seton Medical Center. Since 1992, the event has raised over 16 million dollars for support programs and community health centers in Central Texas.
