Rob Giardinelli
Event Marks Next Chapter Of A Gala Benefiting The Iconic Cultural Hub
By Rob Giardinelli Photography By Bruno/Snap The Picture, Steve Lucero/BFA.com, and Tamytha Cameron
THE SCENE: The Dallas Museum of Art was the setting for a night that launched a new version of one of the city’s most beloved and supported annual philanthropic events. The crowd, featuring 420 of the most prominent art patrons, community leaders, sociables, and philanthropists from North Texas and beyond, turned out for the inaugural The Collection Gala. Benefiting the Dallas Museum of Art, the event is the new name for the annual Dallas Museum of Art Gala, which has captivated and dazzled patrons and guests for over 60 years.
THE VIBE: The sold-out, black-tie crowd followed the lead of world-class event producer Todd Fiscus of Todd Events, who drew inspiration from the 1973 Mark di Suvero’s Ave sculpture that resides on the Dallas Museum of Art grounds. In the crowd, one could spot patrons in formal attire, with a mix of black, red, and white ensembles, while others wore prints with these colors in patterns. The result was a beautiful, warm tapestry that reflected the vibrant mood of the guests at this special night.
The festivities kicked off with a lively cocktail hour. After guests posed for images on the step-and-repeat to commemorate the evening, they were escorted into a stunning tent on the Dallas Museum of Art grounds, where they sipped signature cocktails courtesy of Kástra Elión Vodka and Casa Dragones Tequila.
After acquiring their libations, guests had the opportunity to preview the impressive lot of 37 live and silent auctions. Additionally, revelers had the chance to pose for images in a Glambot video to commemorate the special evening. Patrons were then escorted into a second tent for the evening’s dinner and main program. The space was transformed into a stunning color palette of black, red, and white,
Once guests took to their seats, they dined on a delectable, multi-course meal by Cassandra of Art2Catering. Adding to the regal elegance of the room was music courtesy of DJ Romi Q. As patrons continued dining, they were treated to words from organization and event leaders thanking them for taking part to the kickoff of the storied event’s newest chapter.
Next came a spirited live auction helmed by Phyllis Kao of Sotheby’s. The paddles and the fundraising increased as guests bid on a range of luxury experiences and works by acclaimed artists such as Emmi Whitehorse, William Atkinson, and Thalita Hamaoui, among others. Other popular packages included a trip to Italy with Bvlgari, and a bespoke Parisian experience with Harris Reed of Nina Ricci.
Once the dinner concluded, partygoers were escorted back to the cocktail party tent, which had been transported into a luxe club in hues of blue, the color of after-party sponsors Kástra Elión Vodka signature color. During the after-party, revelers chatted and danced the night away to the tunes of DJ ADAMUSIC, capping off a fantastic inaugural event for one of North Texas’ most beloved cultural organizations.
THE NON-PROFIT: The Collection Gala, presented by Sewell Automotive Companies, raised an astounding $1.8 million for the Dallas Museum of Art. Proceeds from the event will support the museum’s groundbreaking exhibitions and educational programs, ensuring equitable access to the arts for the entire North Texas community.
