Director's Cut was the most mysterious young professionals event to date, and it lived up to the anticipation. On September 19, the Junior Associates of the Dallas Museum of Art gathered at a meeting place somewhere deep in the Harwood District before being led to a secret speakeasy that few have experienced but none will soon forget.
Awaiting them inside were hundreds of flickering candles, a photo booth to document this one-time event, and fellow art-loving young professionals eager to kick off this year's giving campaign.
Dressed in cocktail attire, attendees — includingKate Landrum, Michael Saadeh, Vodi Cook, Shelby Foster, Rachel Roberts, Taylor Zakarin, Jared Hutchins, Tierney Kaufman, Scott Nelson, and Lindsay and Ray Balotta — sipped on old fashioneds and martinis and noshed on bites that were circulated around the sexy venue.
People passed the time by entering the luxury raffle and catching up with friends, but all had at least one eye locked on DMA director Maxwell L. Anderson and his stunning wife, Jacqueline, who were set to make an important announcement regarding the future of the organization.
When the duo finally stepped up to the mic, everyone crowded around them and waited to hear their fate. The museum director began by thanking the Junior Associates for all they do and recapped their dramatic impact on the DMA. However, it was Jacqueline who ultimately delivered the big news.
And that news is that the DMA Junior Associates are now the official hosts of the Art Ball after-party. So long, Affair of the Art: All of these YPs are now focused on the museum's signature event, taking place on April 23, 2016.
The Juniors raised their glasses and toasted to the future, which no doubt includes captivating DJs and dancing until dawn. And what better way to celebrate the Junior Associates' taking over Art Ball's after-party than to go to one? Guests were encouraged to keep the party going at The Eberhard, where the fun didn't stop until 2 am.
Since 1994, the Junior Associates have raised more than $2 million to benefit the Dallas Museum of Art, with proceeds supporting nationally touring exhibitions, acquisitions of artwork for the DMA's collection, and, in recent years, the expansion of the museum's teen educational programs.
Jacqueline Anderson announcing the Junior Associates' new Art Ball after-party event.
