San Antonio Museum of Art Celebrates Superhero Theme

By Jake Gaines  –  Photography by Greg Harrison and Straughan Photography

THE SETTING: Was it a bird? Was it a plane? Was it a superhero? Close. The San Antonio Museum of Art’s Super Art Museum Ball celebrated with a superhero-themed evening. Judge Nelson Wolff served as the emcee and Katie Luber, the Kelso Director of SAMA, welcomed those in attendance for their presence and support.

THE STYLE: The event came alive with pops of primary colors that reflected the animated icons of pop culture. The St. Anthony Hotel was resplendent as a superhero’s lair, thanks to the team at Wilkinson-Rhodes. The Batmobile, from the 1960s hit television show, greeted guests upon arrival, as did four local artists painting a 60-foot mural.

 The gala’s tables were adorned with arrangements of flowers, kryptonite, and sparkling tablecloths. Neon fans, which lit the room in bright colors, lined the balcony for an added flair to the occasion. Guests were entertained by Duo Transcend and they danced the night away to the music of the Jordan Kahn Orchestra.

THE PURPOSE: The gala event chair, SAMA board member, Jenny Schimpff, and Martin Phipps, the steering committee chair teamed up to lead the event. Funds were raised to support operations, programs, and the collection of the San Antonio Museum of Art, which takes visitors around the world and through five thousand years of art in a complex of buildings that once housed the Lone Star Brewery. Lead sponsors of the Ball were SAMA board president Marie Halff, Phipps Deacon Purnell, PLLC,  the Betty Stieren Kelso Foundation, and Elizabeth and Barry Roberts.