Haute Stuff

High fashion and fine art collide at Art Ball patron party

It’s no surprise that Dallas Museum of Art executive director Maxwell L. Anderson knew just how to steer the crowd of art enthusiasts gathered at The Warehouse for the Untitled: Art Ball 2013 patron party.

Anderson encouraged deep-pocketed devotees to bid high above their means at the April 13 fundraising fete, to the delight of well-heeled guests. Before a special fashion presentation, he graciously thanked patron party sponsors Jennifer and John Eagle, Art Ball co-chairs Jennifer Karol and Catherine Rose, and patron party fashion sponsor Akris.

Following Anderson’s opener, John Eagle introduced Akris CEO of The Americas Melissa Beste, who gave the crowd a history lesson of the Swiss fashion house. Her words made the perfect intro to the runway show, which featured looks from the fall/winter 2013 collection inspired by Amelia Earhart and late Akris founder Alice Kriemler-Schoch, mother of current creative director Albert Kriemler.

Dark and chunky sweaters, architectural tops, structured suits and form-fitting knit dresses quickly cozied up the white-walled interior. Throughout the show, the sophisticated and timeless designs kept power couple Gina and Scott Ginsburg talking.

After the fashion presentation, guests Marlene and John Sughrue, Merry and Chad Vose, Sharon and Michael Young, Deedie and Rusty Rose, Elaine and Neils Agather, Claire Dewar, Capera Ryan, Laura Noble, and Janell and Alden Pinnell continued to roam around the spacious galleries filled with exquisite contemporary art from the private collections of Cindy and Howard Rachofsky and Amy and Vernon Faulconer.

Patrons also got a preview of “own it now” auction items ready for the taking, including luxurious trips to Paris and London, a private ceramics lesson with Jonathan Adler, a Dallas Cowboys game with Roger Staubach, and the ultimate BMW test drive. The Art Ball is the largest fundraiser of the year for the DMA and one of the most anticipated social events of the season.

Russell Weinberg, Sarah Weinberg

Photo by Bruno

Russell Weinberg, Sarah Weinberg

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Night at the museum

Perot Museum gala-goers with a taste for adventure raise $2 million

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Shannon Murray, Chris Nolan, Kylie Capps and Chris Shurtleff

On a balmy Saturday night in November, the doors to Dallas' Perot Museum of Nature and Science closed to the public and reopened for nearly 1,000 chic party-goers. They dined, danced, and played with the exhibits to raise funds at 2024 Night at the Museum Gala.

Led by co-chairs Dr. Pamela J. Okada and Mark Okada, the crowd of "after-hours scientists" raised $2 million to support the museum’s educational programs and expand STEM learning opportunities across North Texas.

Perot Museum, Night at the Museum Gala 2024

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Shannon Murray, Chris Nolan, Kylie Capps and Chris Shurtleff

The event, designed by Valdivia Ventures, included live music, a captivating performance by dancers of Texas Ballet Theater, and innovative food activations by Wolfgang Puck Catering (the flaky, piping hot truffle pot pies that gala guests always look forward to).

As patrons explored the museum, they were greeted by hundreds of white orchids from Jackson Durham Events and were serenaded in exhibit hall by musicians provided by Jordan Khan Music Company.

A highlight of the evening was the "10-Minute Tasting Restaurant," an adventurous pop-up type experience that transformed the Museum Store into a five-star dining experience. Of course there were cocktails, too, and the lychee martini was a fan-favorite.

The evening concluded with a high-energy after-party on the lower level of the museum, presented by the Eugene McDermott Foundation. Guests danced the night away to beats by DJ Romi Q, struck a pose at the interactive photo booth, and ended the night at a decadent dessert room featuring a variety of sweet treats.

Funds raised from Night at the Museum will support educational programs, fund day-to-day operations, and provide financial aid to ensure the museum remains a welcoming and inclusive space for all.

Spotted in the crowd, enjoying the night, were Shannon Murray, Chris Nolan, Kylie Capps, Chris Shurtleff, Tim Peck, Missy Rogers Peck, Tori Mulford, Linda Silver, Emory McKim, Shelby Wagner, Niven Morgan, Santiago Jorba, Catalina Gonzalez, Regen Horchow, Ken Hersh, Dennis Cail, Annika Cail, Grace Cook, Caleb Stearns Wiley, Sarah-Michelle Stearns Wiley, Jason Valdivia, Katherine Stenesen, Chantel Boudreaux, Jeffrey Bragalone, Lexi Dennis, Mickie Bragalone, John Spradling, Miriam Spradling, KC Hurst, Koli Hurst, Magda Veja, Ashley Chellgren, Maria Zajia, Geraldine Parker, Meredith Abbott, and many more patrons and supporters.

museums night at the museum perot museum gala galas