Two by Two Sneak Peek

RSVP not required: You don't need a ticket to the gala to bid on the art at Twox Two

April Gornik “Forest Light.” 2009.  Charcoal on paper . 24 x 30 inches.Estimated retail value: $35,000.
Eva Rothschild “Why Don’t You.” 2012.  Aluminum ring, modrock, jesmonite,fibreglass, paint and lacquer . 45 1/4 x 45 1/4 x 3 1/2 inches. Estimated retailvalue: $28,800.
Josephine Meckseper/ Nancy Gonzalez . 2012.  Crocodile with suede lining, furtails and metal fixture, acrylic, fabric, and paper on canvas with metal chain. 23 1/8 x 12 1/4 x 4 3/4 inches. Estimated retail value: priceless.

You may never get a chance to attend Two by Two for AIDS and Art, the annual charitable event benefiting the Dallas Museum of Art and amfAR, or the First Look preview party. In its 13-year history, the gala and art auction has raised more than $35 million to support amfAR’s AIDS research initiatives and the contemporary art acquisition program at the DMA, making it the largest U.S. fundraiser for amfAR and the museum. The event is hosted by Cindy and Howard Rachofsky and draws big-deal donors, influencers and art collectors every year.

But now you don’t need an invitation to see – or acquire – the spectacular selection of works donated by renowned artists. The new Two by Two website includes an online catalogue of all artwork up for auction and gives collectors a chance to absentee bid – or, better yet, buy something they love on the spot. At the very least, you get to look, right?

As you cruise around the site, keep an eye out for Own It Now caricature icons next to key pieces selected by host and patron Howard Rachofsky; Jeffrey Grove, Hoffman Family Senior Curator of Contemporary Art at the Dallas Museum of Art; and Allan Schwartzman, curator of the Rachofsky Collection. These three identified hidden gems and under-the-radar pieces available for sale starting October 15. Those that remain will be put in the live auction at the October 20 gala.

The new Two by Two website includes an online catalogue of all works and gives collectors a chance to absentee bid – or, better yet, buy something on the spot. At the very least, you get to look, right?

“With the new website linked to Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, Two x Two has a wider reach than ever,” said Cindy Rachofsky in a statement. “The amazing donation by our honored artist Richard Phillips, along with donations of over 140 works of art by renowned artists and dealers will make the 14th year of Two by Two for AIDS and Art another one for the record books.”

This year, Richard Phillips will receive amfAR’s 2012 Award of Excellence for Artistic Contributions to the Fight Against AIDS. Among the donating artists are Karla Black, whose show at the DMA opens October 19; Eva Rothschild, who has a show at the Nasher Sculpture Center starting October 19, and Tom Orr, whose works are on display at the Barry Whistler Gallery through October 13. Past Two by Two honorees April Gornik and Tom Friedman also contributed works for this year’s auction.

In addition, Two by Two has collaborated with famed accessories designer Nancy Gonzalez to create a series of signature handbags for the benefit auction. The organization commissioned 10 artists – including honoree Richard Phillips, Jenny Holzer, Will Cotton, former Two by Two honoree Jim Hodges and Josephine Meckseper – to customize matte white crocodile-skin totes, creating one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

A VIP preview of 47 works, along with the 10 artist handbags, takes place tonight, September 13, at Sotheby’s New York. The Rachofskys will be joined by Two by Two director Melissa Meeks; Amy Phelan, Two by Two event chair; honoree Richard Phillips; donating artists Chuck Webster and Ken Solomon; Dr. Maxwell L. Anderson, Eugene McDermott director at the DMA; Kiehl’s Since 1851 President Chris Salgardo; and 30 Rock’s Cheyenne Jackson.

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Music and Fashion

Miranda Lambert's 'Velvet Rodeo' wardrobe stars in new DFW exhibition

“Miranda Lambert: Velvet Rodeo” at National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame

Photo by Tyler Conrad

“Miranda Lambert: Velvet Rodeo” will open on November 7 at the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame.

Country star Miranda Lambert is bringing a bit of Las Vegas glamour and bling to North Texas. Her one-of-a-kind wardrobe from her "Velvet Rodeo" residency will go on display at the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame in Fort Worth when its new Icons Gallery opens November 7.

According to a release, the exhibition, called "Miranda Lambert: Velvet Rodeo," was created in collaboration with Lambert, and will feature costumes from the singer's Las Vegas residency, which ran from September 2022 to April 2024.

Lambert said her inspiration came from an earlier visit to the Fort Worth museum, where she spotted historic Western pieces that she photographed and sent to her stylist, Tiffany Gifford. They combined those influences with the glitz of Elvis Presley's heyday to create the "Velvet Rodeo" wardrobe.

“Seeing these pieces now have a life beyond the stage as part of the Museum’s new Icons Gallery feels really full circle and special,” Lambert said in a statement.

Visitors will now have the opportunity to study garments usually seen in motion and under stage lights, appreciating the details that help transform clothing into an essential part of a performance.

The Icons Gallery is part of the Museum’s 16,000-square-foot expansion, which introduces new galleries and experiences that explore the accomplishments and influence of women of the West. The $19 million expansion features a new entrance facing Dickies Arena, new galleries including a photography gallery, an event space accommodating up to 250, and the new Cowgirl Carousel.

Miranda Lambert, right, with rodeo queens onstage at the 45th Cowgirl Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon at Dickies Arena. Photo by Ashley Gongora

Lambert, who was inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in 2021, is an active mounted shooting competitor and horsewoman, giving her a connection to the West that reaches beyond her music. "Velvet Rodeo" brings together Lambert's identity as a cowgirl and her creative expression as a performer.

“Miranda’s confidence, determination and independence make her a wonderful representative of the women we honor,” says Pat Riley, executive director of the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame, in the release. “Opening our Icons Gallery with this collaboration celebrates her accomplishments while giving visitors a new way to connect with a cowgirl they know and admire.”

According to a museum spokesperson, the temporary exhibition will remain on display for at least one year; no specific end date was given.

In preparation for the expansion grand opening, the Cowgirl will be closed to the public beginning October 19 and will reopen November 7, with a members-only preview at 10 am and a public opening at noon.

celebrities country music exhibitions-visual-arts fashion miranda lambert museums music national cowgirl museum temporary exhibition