On Saturday night, Dallasites dressed in their finest and rolled into the Arts District for Art Ball 50, the 50th anniversary of the premier fundraising gala for the Dallas Museum of Art. Themed “Self Portrait,” event chair Nancy Carlson, with help from the incomparable Todd Events, executed an edgy affair that reflected on five decades of philanthropic fabulousness. Also helping the cause for this special evening was an esteemed host committee comprising past Art Ball chairs.
First stop for well-heeled guests — once a flute of champagne was in hand — was the Forty Five Ten pop-up shop featuring limited edition items from 15 internationally acclaimed designers. After checking out Lisa Perry’s “Selfie” dress, Ashish’s “Hi Haters” T-shirt and the Elder Statesman cashmere lingerie set, they were off to the tented reception where cocktails provided Moet Hennessy USA awaited.
When it was time for the main event, massive curtains parted to reveal an impressive tented dining room, where prestigious patrons — including Cindy and Howard Rachofsky, Lynn McBee, Margaret McDermott, Nancy Rogers, Robin McMonigle, Niven Morgan, Shelby Wagner, Kenny Goss, Joyce Goss, Brian Bolke, Sheryl and Eric Maas, Capera Ryan, Merry Vose, Jennifer and John Eagle, Kimberly Chandler, Browne Andrews, Jennifer and Coley Clark — took their seats. Mark di Suvero’s iconic red sculpture loomed over the stage where Kitty Carmichael crooned.
Guests feasted on a meal that was almost too beautiful to eat, with carefully crafted courses such as Maple Leaf Farms duck confit with spring pea goat cheese ravioli. With dinner plates cleared, Christie’s began the lavish live auction, led by auctioneer Hugh Edmeades. Lust-worthy items included trips to Marfa, New York City and Palm Springs.
When the bidding came to a close, guests went nuts for “Artball Funk,” a remake of Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk,” featuring DMA director Maxwell L. Anderson, Jacqueline Anderson, Mayor Mike Rawlings, Elaine Agather, Deedie Rose and many other DMA VIPs. Quite the clever way to namedrop all of the top sponsors, if you ask us.
As the video wrapped up, the curtains parted again, this time beckoning people back to the after-chaired by Jackie Bolin and Erin Wasson, where Solange Knowles served as guest DJ.
In just the last 15 years, Art Ball has raised more than $22 million to support the DMA’s mission of engaging and educating the community, with funds going directly to the museum’s operating budget.
Watch “Artball Funk” for yourself:
Maxwell L. Anderson, Jacqueline Anderson
Fly By Midnight.Photo by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company
Carter Brown.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Landon Richie.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Liliana Villarreal, Kelley Robinson, Brandon Wolf, Dustin Vyers.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Cynt MarshallPhoto by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company
Jason Lamoreaux and Black Tie Dinner beneficiaries.Photo by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company