The Art Ball is one of the most anticipated events of the spring social season in Dallas. To kick off this upcoming year's fundraising festivities, supporters gathered for a private reception at the home of Bob Nickell.
Art Ball 2014 chairman Gina Betts wasted no time announcing some exciting news to guests — including Cece and Ford Lacy, Sharon Young, Dallas Museum of Art executive director Maxwell L. Anderson, Claire Dewar, Jackie and Peter Stewart, Douglas Carney, Michael Flores, Nancy Carlson, Lynn McBee, Rozalyn Colombo, Gigi St. Pe, Tanya Foster, Kris Johnson, and Holly Deason — that Grammy Award–winning singer-songwriter, musician and producer John Legend will headline the May 3 gala at the DMA.
"I chose John Legend to perform because not only is he a phenomenal talent, but his music is reminiscent of the 1920s, with a modern twist," Betts said. "With John, R&B, soul and neo soul are all wrapped into one talented singer-songwriter. I think he will appeal to all ages attending the ball."
Betts also announced that long-standing DMA patrons Jennifer and John Eagle will be the 2014 Art Ball honorees, and Nancy and Richard Rogers will serve as the 2014 honorary chairmen.
This tres chic celebration will honor the creativity of 1920s Paris as depicted in works of art by Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí, novels by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, haute couture by designers Christian Dior and Coco Chanel, and spectacular jewelry by Cartier. The ball will be designed by Dallas events superstar Tom Addis.
Addis plans to bring 1920s Paris to Dallas by incorporating a beautiful clear tent over the Sculpture Garden, which will be transformed into a romantic French garden where guests will enjoy cocktails and the silent auction. Partygoers will then stroll to the tented Ross Avenue Plaza to enjoy a multi-course seated dinner featuring French and art deco-inspired cuisine by Cassandra Fine Catering. Following the dinner will be a luxury live auction featuring one-of-a-kind items.
Once John Legend takes the stage in the main tent, the Sculpture Garden will become the setting for a sultry after-party, with Hemingway-inspired bars and dance music provided by DJ Stephane Pompougnac from Hotel Costes in Paris. A DJ all the way from Paris? It's safe to say that the masterminds behind Art Ball have really been "on the ball" this year.
Over the past 14 years, Art Ball has raised more than $20 million to support the Dallas Museum of Art's mission of engaging and educating the community. With the help of many loyal supporters, the museum is admission free, which allows anyone and everyone to enjoy everything the museum has to offer.
Tanya Foster, Kris Johnson, Holly Deason
Tashara Parker and Barbara Bush.Photo by Lindsay Jones Photography
