Rob Giardinelli
Vibrant Annual Event Inspired By Current Artful Martinez Exhibit Dazzles Guests
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Kaitlin Saragusa/BFA.com and A Sea Of Love
Timothy Headington
and Kaleta Blaffer Johnson
THE SCENE: The Dallas Contemporary was the recent setting for a fabulous night of artful fun. Nearly 300 of the city’s top art patrons, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the 2024 Dallas Contemporary Annual Art Auction and Gala.
and Hannah Fagadau
Jill Sager
THE VIBE: Patrons could feel the special night that was upon them from the moment they walked up to the Dallas Contemporary where upon arrival, guests posed for images on the red carpet. Once inside the Dallas Contemporary partygoers engaged in a lively cocktail hour where the black-tie crowd, which featured attendees sporting a mix of bright colors and floral prints that blended seamlessly with classic black-tie ensembles created a fun, welcoming environment for all who attended.
The crowd then took to their seats for the main program at long, continental-style tables that were beautifully decorated with flowers inspired by the current exhibition Patrick Martinez: Histories and his piece Bougainvillea Landscape. As guests dined on a five-star, multi-course meal courtesy of three Headington Companies restaurant concepts and Dallas culinary hot spots: Tango Room, Sassetta, and Mirador.
After dinner, event leaders took to the stage to thank attendees for their support and how it positively impacts the North Texas community. Next, came a live auction helmed by Rachael White Young of Christie’s Auction House where patrons bid on an array of works by acclaimed contemporary artists including Barry McGee, OSGEMEOS, and Richard Prince, just to name a few. The night was capped off with a dazzling after-party where guests danced the night away to tunes by DJs Rami + CB Smoove.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 2024 Dallas Contemporary Annual Art Auction and Gala, co-chaired by Leigh Anne Clark and Casey Lemkin, with Sarah Caldoney and Tyler Lemkin serving as auction chairs, raised $1.3 million for the Dallas Contemporary. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards boundary-pushing exhibitions, pioneering programs, and educational initiatives that allow the museum to view its world-class exhibits free of charge.
