Thanks to hundreds of ladies decked out in bold jackets, brightly colored dresses and frilly blouses, the Dallas Museum of Art was a colorful spectacle at the annual Art in Bloom Symposium and Luncheon themed “Chagall Bouquets of Love.” The annual festive fete is the sole fundraiser for the DMA League, which provides fresh floral arrangements for the museum and supports the DMA through education and social programs.
The daytime celebration began with a silent auction. Armed with glasses of wine and mighty pens, guests placed their bids on jewelry, accessories and other treasures. But the items that garnered the most attention were the floral designs created by special guest Bella Meyer, which were inspired by her grandfather, artist Marc Chagall, and the intricate floral statues from local artist Jessica Jesse.
Once everyone was seated in Horchow Auditorium, DMA League president Judy Birchfield thanked attendees, sponsors and Meyer. Chairman Renée Farren followed by expressing her adoration for Meyer. “After emailing with Bella, we decided we are French cousins, we just know it,” she said.
With moderator Jocelyn White leading the conversation, Meyer spoke of her love for her late grandfather and the significance of flowers in all of his works. She said that Chagall thought it impossible to paint something as beautiful as fresh flowers, yet he always included bouquets in his paintings. When he asked his grandchildren if they liked his work, they always responded, “Mais oui, Grandpapa.”
As she clicked through a slideshow of photos from her childhood through her recent floral designs, Meyer added that love was the most important thing to her grandfather. Just as Chagall searched for beauty and ways to make people smile, she has found her own niche with her floral shop, Fleurs Bella in New York City.
Following Meyer’s heartfelt presentation, lunching ladies — including Barbara Daseke, Linda Ivy, Dee Wyly, Barbara Hunt Crow, Karen Goodman, Kate Juett, Sue Prather, Susan Kaminsky, Debbie Ryan and Diane Sealy — flocked to the Hamon Atrium for an elegant meal, Allie Coosh fashion show presented by owner Paula Martsolf, and live auction led by DMA director Maxwell L. Anderson.
Afterward, sophisticates were spotted roaming through the Chagall: Beyond Color exhibition, which runs through May 26.
Pam Byrd, Maggie McElroy
