It was only fitting that Dallas' most artful benefit of the year take place in a setting that was, itself, a work of art. More than 500 patrons gathered inside a stunning 7,000-square-foot geodesic dome, dubbed the "Freedome," at the Rachofsky house on October 28 for the 2017 Two x Two for AIDS and Art benefit dinner and contemporary art auction.
The 19th annual event raised a staggering $7.3 million for amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, and the Dallas Museum of Art.
Chaired by Nasiba and Thomas Hartland-Mackie and hosted by Cindy and Howard Rachofsky at their Richard Meier-designed home, the sold-out black tie affair featured a forest theme designed and carried out by Todd Fiscus of TODD Events.
Acclaimed actor Armie Hammer served as the master of ceremonies, and singer-songwriter and OneRepublic front man Ryan Tedder was the featured entertainer.
The night included a Dom Pérignon and Belvedere cocktail reception and an art and luxury item silent auction, followed by a multicourse dinner.
A full 150 works of art were offered in auctions, as well as seven luxury packages. The live auction, presented by the Ron and Maryellen Spears Foundation, was conducted by Oliver Barker, Chairman, Sotheby’s Europe, Senior International Specialist, Contemporary Art. The highlight was Pink Plant Patio Landscape Pot by 2017 amfAR honoree Jonas Wood, which sold for $1.2 million.
“Jonas Wood paintings depict scenes from everyday life with each one bursting with color and pictorial detail. He translates the world around him with astonishing technical innovations,” said Gavin Delahunty, Hoffman Family Senior Curator of Contemporary Art of the Dallas Museum of Art.
Wood received this year's Award of Excellence for Artistic Contributions to the Fight Against AIDS, presented by Kevin Robert Frost, CEO of amfAR.
Notable patrons in attendance included Two x Two director Melissa Ireland, Agustín Arteaga, the DMA's Eugene McDermott director, Marguerite Steed Hoffman, Tom Lentz, Nancy Nasher, David Haemisegger, Deedie Rose, Lisa and John Runyon, Jennifer and John Eagle, and Catherine and Will Rose.
Joining the patrons were artists Shara Hughes, Jean-Michel Othoniel, Daniel Arsham, Hugh Scott-Douglas, Alex Olson, Nathan Carter, Celia Rogge, and Quinn Tivey.
The annual black-tie gala, part of a week-long series of events, is the largest U.S. fundraiser for amfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art. Since its inception, Two x Two for AIDS and Art has raised over $75 million in support of AIDS research at amfAR and for the Contemporary Art Acquisitions Fund at the Dallas Museum of Art.
“The success of Two x Two is due to the extreme generosity of our artists, gallerists, and supporters from across the United States and around the world," said Howard Rachofsky in a statement. "Their commitment is unmatched."
Howard Rachofsky, Cindy Rachofsky, Tom Lentz, Marguerite Hoffman
Texas Ballet Theater and The Dallas Opera performed together during cocktail hour.Photo by Can Turkyilmaz
Headliner Michael Cavanaugh and honorees Shannon and Ted Skokos.Photo by Can Turkyilmaz
Dinner was served on the Winspear Opera House stage.Photo by Can Turkyilmaz