Blue Plate Special

Artistic types mark major milestone for Dallas’ most creative hub

What: Creative Arts Center of Dallas Blue Plate Special 2016

Where: Seven for Parties

The 411: The 2016 edition of the Creative Arts Center of Dallas’ signature fundraiser was made even more, well, special by a milestone anniversary. CAC turns 50 this year, so in addition to the traditional gala activities — cocktails, entertainment, and silent auction featuring hand-painted plates by notable local artists — guests were the first to see the 50th anniversary video that showcases the history and mission of the center. The fundraising tally reached $60,000 to assist CAC in its mission and outreach programming.

For five decades, the Creative Arts Center has helped North Texans discover, develop, and express their creativity. Founded by influential Texas artist Octavio Medellin, CAC’s mission is to give eager thinkers, curious leaders, dormant masters, and seekers a place to explore materials and ideas, getting their hands dirty along the way. CAC now offers up to 500 classes annually — ceramics, clay sculpture, drawing, blown and fused glass, jewelry making, metal sculpture, creative writing — at its campus near downtown Dallas.

Who: CAC board members and chairs Todd C. Hedrick and Nancy Woolfolk, honorary chairs Patricia B. Meadows and Gail Sachson, support chair Lynn Armstrong, Alex and Shad Spears, Jennifer and Andy Scripps, Reid Robinson, Catherine Cuellar, Pat Porter, and Cheryl Vogel.

Meredith Woolfolk, Miranda Hoff, Susan Hoff

Courtesy photo

Meredith Woolfolk, Miranda Hoff, Susan Hoff

fundraisers

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