After four decades, Dallas Contemporary is still red hot. So it was fitting that the Dallas museum should celebrate its 40th anniversary with a party dubbed the "Ruby Gala."
Presented by Headington Companies, the intimate evening saw the museum transformed into a red-lit, ruby-hued space. The gallery space went scarlet for the sit-down dinner, with fabric-draped walls, vibrant floral arrangements, and a magnificent, multitiered birthday cake.
After taking their arrival photos on the red carpet, guests — including Joyce Goss, Kenny Goss, Bill Hutchinson, Brianna Ramirez, Jessica Ayers, Josh Ayers, Gonzalo Bueno, Michael McCray, Gayle Halperin, Philip Clemmons, Max Trowbridge, and Ben Trowbridge — enjoyed a cocktail reception as they perused the silent auction artworks powered by Paddle 8. The party continued with a dinner created by The Joule that included whipped ricotta toast, an heirloom tomato and peach salad, and smoked filet of beef.
Partygoers — many of whom donned shades of red for the occasion — sipped wine and champagne along with craft cocktails by Midnight Rambler and Roxor Artisan Gin.
In the audience, artists Richard Phillips, Joseph Havel, Carlos Rolon (DZINE) and Keer Tanchak mingled with guests. After opening remarks from Dallas Contemporary executive director Peter Doroshenko and event co-chair Laree Hulshoff, guests paused to recognize longtime board member and honorary chair Jo Marie Lilly.
Then it was time for the featured entertainment. Singer-songwriter Erykah Badu took the stage for a powerful musical performance that concluded with her R&B hit single “Tyrone.”
Bidding was fast and furious in a live auction that included art donations, a luxury trip package to Tulum, and a suite at the upcoming Andrea Bocelli concert. As guests finished their chocolate mousse cake, auctioneers Ed Beardsley and Roberta Kramer with Heritage Auctions hit the stage, rallying guests to flash their paddles.
Once the auction had concluded, guests enjoyed an after-party with dancing to the sounds of Medicine Machine Revival.
Funds raised through the event support the artistic and educational mission of the museum and its programming. Dallas Contemporary is a non-collecting art museum presenting new and fresh ideas from regional, national and international artists. The Design District space offers temporary exhibitions, important lectures, and learning programs.
Michelle Moussa, Steve Flory
