Inside Dallas Museum of Art’s Biggest Fundraiser of the Year

On April 23, 2016, the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) hosted Art Ball 2016: Art + Architecture with Ann and David Sutherland serving as Co-chairs. Over 400 guests arrived to a red architectural display of the Dallas skyline and a blueprint of the DMA serving as a step and repeat, which displayed Entertainment Sponsors Nancy and Richard Rogers; Silent Auction Sponsors Jennifer and John Eagle; Red Carpet Sponsor Neiman Marcus; Patron Party Sponsors Forty Five Ten and The Joule Hotel; After Party Sponsor Stanley Korshak; Security Sponsor Sidley Austin LLP; Auction Sponsor Christie’s; Dinner Sponsors Peggy and Carl Sewell; Invitation Sponsor Dallas Art Fair; Travel Sponsor Durham Family Foundation; Financial Services Sponsor J.P. Morgan; and Goldman, Sachs & Co. as the Catalogue and Program Sponsor.

One of the most prestigiuos fundraising events in Dallas promptly began at 7:45 pm, when a 30-foot tall curtain dramatically opened revealing a sumptious, sensory wonderland. The masterpeice by Todd Events was meticulously appointed with rich hues of contemporary reds, greens and yellows. Cascading yellow florals, moss enveloped chandliers and oversized royal tables in the shape of a plus sign created a spectacular focal point.

During the cocktail hour, guests sipped on craft cocktails from Luxury Cocktail Sponsor Belvedere Vodka and Hennessy Cognac while having the opportunity to bid on an eclectic array of experiences, art and beautiful decorative items curated by Silent Auction Chair, Gonzalo Bueno. The top bid of the evening went to a Nicolas Alquin’s Diapason sculpture, featuring old oak with burned patina and lime, and a “Presidential Live Oak”, grown at the ranch of President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush in Crawford, Texas.

Guests feasted on a sumptious multi-course dinner catered by Cassandra Fine Catering which included lobster, duck and fish courses while being entertained by the Dallas String Quartet. During the evening guests also had the opportunity to bid on a live auction, curated by interior architectural designer Trisha Wilson and sponsored by Christie’s. Items up for auction included a Dallas sports package, Napa Valley Wine country getaway and an African Safari at the Izingwe Lodge, a private South African lodge home on the 82,000-acre Welgevonden Private Game Reserve, located in the Waterburg mountain region.

Following dinner, After Party Co-chairs Rachel and Michael Osburn welcomed guests to the Hamon Atrium and Eagle Family Plaza for Folly at the Art Ball, sponsored by Stanley Korshak and presented by the DMA Junior Associates. While guests mingled and nibbled on gourmet treats, DJ Lucy Wrubel and Georgia Bridgwater Orchestra provided music to get the after party started. As guests danced the night away, they got the opportunity to buy tickets for a raffle for the not-yet-released in the United States, Jaguar F-Pace Prestige SUV, courtesy of Automotive Raffle Sponsor Park Place Jaguar.

Proceeds from the Ball go towards the DMA’s unyeilding committment to provide free access to its collection, exhibitions, educational and public programs. The DMA was established in 1903 and is one of the ten largest museums in the country. Its vast collection which encompasses more than 23,000 works of art and spans 5,000 years of history is a comprehensive assemblage respresenting a full range of cultures from all over the world. With the substantial growth of Dallas, there has been an emerging interests in the cultural arts and the museum has become an important catalyst in engaging the community by offering a diverse spectrum of programming, from exhibitions and lectures to concerts, literary events, and dramatic and dance presentations.

For more information, visit DMA.org