Go Inside The Dazzling Blanton Museum Of Art Gala That Raised $1.2 Million

The State’s Artful Institution In Austin Streamlines Its Signature Event This Year

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by David Brendan Hall

THE SCENE: The Blanton Museum of Art was the setting for a spectacular celebration of art with a Texas twist. Nearly 200 of Texas’ most prominent art patrons, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the biennial Blanton Museum of Art Gala. The intimate night featured great food, fantastic company, and show-stopping performances, resulting in a seven-figure night for the organization.

THE VIBE: The black tie optional crowd with a Western twist took inspiration from the 1984 film Paris, Texas. In the crowd, one could spot an array of black-tie, cocktail, and western attire accented with cowboy hats, Texas ties, and bright pops of color. The result was a warm, welcoming environment for all who attended.

Guests were excited as they walked onto the Moody Patio for cocktail hour. Underneath the beautiful permanent Petal Installation on the Moody Patio that was unveiled at the 2023 Blanton Museum of Art Gala, patrons were greeted with champagne and light bites courtesy of Justine’s. During the cocktail hour, guests sipped on their favorite spirits. They enjoyed passed appetizers that gave revelers a preview of the food Justine’s will be offering in the new café, soon to open on the Blanton Museum grounds.

As guests enjoyed the warm Spring night, they mingled, getting acquainted with old friends and making new ones in the process. Others took advantage of the Trovador Customs hat activation, where partygoers could create bespoke hats. All of this was done against the backdrop of elegant jazz music courtesy of Austin-based musician Alice Spencer.

The action then moved to an open-air tent on the Moody Patio for a seated dinner and program. Attendees enjoyed stunning views of Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin to the north and the Texas State Capitol to the south. Partygoers enjoyed a delectable, multi-course meal courtesy of Michelin restaurant LeRoy and Lewis. Each course was paired with wines from Twin Liquors and Shiner Beers in keeping with the Western flair of the evening.

During the program, guests were treated to words from event leaders, including Executive Director Simone Wicha, thanking them for taking part in the special evening, which culminated with the crowd raising a glass to toast the museum’s success by imbibing on a shot of Lalo Tequila. A spirited live auction followed that was helmed by Landon Waddle of Cowboy Auctioneer where paddles and the fundraising total went up as they bid on an array of luxury experiences with a VIP Package to Formula 1® Austin package donated by title sponsor Circuit of the Americas and a curator-led tour of the upcoming exhibition of Spirit & Splendor: El Greco, Velázquez, and the Hispanic Baroque emerging as the most popular.

The fun continued as event co-host Lindsey Morgan introduced country musician Calder Allen, who brought the crowd to its feet with tunes from his upcoming album. The night was capped off with revelers enjoying a Texas classic: Texan red chili Frito pie, enjoying the beautiful spring night, and taking in the end of a beautiful night of fun and fundraising in Austin.

THE NON-PROFIT: The 2025 Blanton Museum of Art Gala raised over $1.2 million for the Blanton Museum of Art. The event’s proceeds will support the museum’s educational programs, exhibitions, and care of its world-class art collection.