Curated Texan
Art Ball 2024 Celebrated The Museum’s 62nd Glam Gala Event Presented by Neiman Marcus
By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Tamytha Cameron, Nate Rehlander and Rob Wythe
THE SETTING: Recently many art connoisseurs, fashion aficionados, and influential figures stepped into the sophisticated elegance of Art Ball 2024 presented by Neiman Marcus. Embarking on its 62nd year, Art Ball continued its legacy with an unforgettable black-tie affair, themed Momentum, at the Dallas Museum of Art. Featuring an evening of dinner, drinks, a live auction, and an exciting after party, Art Ball 2024 showcased the dynamic and forward-thinking vision of the DMA, all while honoring the legacy and impact of our beloved Museum. All of Art Ball’s proceeds directly support the DMA’s commitment to presenting diverse exhibitions, providing innovative educational and public programs, and caring for a collection of over 25,000 objects—all while offering engaging access to incredible works of art.
This year’s theme embodied the pulsating force to propel the Dallas Museum of Art forward, infusing the Dallas Arts District with a vibrant sense of energy and progression. Just as an object in motion stays in motion, the Dallas Museum of Art constantly evolves and transforms. Art Ball 2024 aimed to honor the venue’s rich history while joyously celebrating the momentum that drives us onward, ignites artistic creation, and drives us to explore the limitless possibilities the future has in store.
THE VIBE: Co-Chairs Andy Smith and Paul von Wupperfeld, along with The Eugene McDermott Director of the Dallas Museum of Art, Agustín Arteaga, welcomed sponsors, DMA stalwarts, and notables. The Art Ball guests arrived in the Dallas Museum of Art’s Hamon Entrance for a sophisticated evening created and designed by Todd Fiscus of Todd Events. As guests checked in, they stopped by an illuminated sign with backlit typography that read: ArtBall 2024 Presented by Neiman Marcus, providing the first photo moment of the evening.
Guests then entered a sleek, floor-to-ceiling, climate-controlled tent where they enjoyed cocktails and lively conversation at the PNC Lounge. In keeping with the event’s theme, the design inside the tent incorporated drama and pieces of movement into the space while keeping the party masculine, modern, and elevated. Black velvet drape and latte-colored carpet anchored the tent while three crystal and bronze chandeliers spaced down the spine of the main tent provided a festive glow. The tent’s clear roof gave attendants great views of the Dallas skyline at night. Guests were clamoring for a turn at the interactive photo booth, designed to look like an elevator adorned with an insignia from Neiman Marcus. In it, mechanical doors opened and closed giving attendees a chance to direct their own slow-motion video.
Guests then made their way to the Hamon Atrium for dinner while tunes from DJ Romi Q echoed throughout the space. The atrium was draped in masculine tones of turmeric, sage, and moss, punctuated by emphasizing light movement. After dinner, late night revelers returned to the Eagle Family Plaza for a rousing after party and a décor flip from Todd Events during dinner transformed the space into a seductive bar in an homage to Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle in Manhattan. The room showcased floating artworks of Dallas landmarks like the Pegasus Flying Horse in the style of the artist Ludwig Bemelman that were installed around the room.
Guests were treated to the shaken or stirred experience at bar carts stationed throughout the party with tequila espresso martinis from tequila sponsor, Maestro Dobel, and made to order martinis from vodka sponsor, Kastra Elion. Small and intimate tables set with low lighting were scattered around the stage for guests to take their seats. The chairs, however, remained largely unused as everyone found themselves up on their feet dancing to a sensational showcase by the talented LA-based Sergio Vellatti, who crooned big band tunes and pop vocals throughout the night. Showgirls dressed in dazzling numbers magically appeared during select numbers to add drama and energy to Vellatti’s performance – and even offered themselves as dance partners to guests who wanted to join in the fun.
THE NON-PROFIT: Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) is an inclusive, welcoming space for everyone to see its global collection of more than 25,000 works spanning 5,000 years of history and a range of world cultures. The DMA is one of the largest art museums in the United States and is located in one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country, with free general admission for all visitors. As an Open Access institution, the DMA offers digital images of all public-domain artworks in its collection for use by the public. The DMA provides educational programming for all ages, from exhibitions and lectures to concerts, literary events and dramatic performances. The venue is open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., and is always open at DMA.org. The Dallas Museum of Art is supported, in part, by the generosity of DMA Members and donors, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and the citizens of Dallas through the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture.
