A piece of history
Austin A-listers and art world celebs shine at Ellsworth Kelly grand opening gala
- Elle Moody and Ross MoodyPhoto by Julie Skarratt Photography Inc.
- Michael and Susan Dell.Photo by Julie Skarratt Photography Inc.
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott and a member of the UT Cowboys.Photo by Julie Skarratt Photography Inc.
- Greg Fenves and Jack ShearPhoto by Julie Skarratt Photography Inc.
- Elisabeth Tynberg and Clayton MaebiusPhoto by Julie Skarratt Photography Inc.
- Clayton Aynesworth, Deborah Green, Fredericka Middleton, Chris Loughlin, and Kathleen Loughlin.Photo by Julie Skarratt Photography Inc.
- Jeanne Klein, Tom Border, and Carmel Border.Photo by Julie Skarratt Photography Inc.
- Dorothy Lichtenstein, Simone Wicha, and Suzanne Deal Booth.Photo by Julie Skarratt Photography Inc.
- Suzanne McFayden, Simone Wicha, and Anthony Meier.Photo by Julie Skarratt Photography Inc.
- Jack Shear and Austin Mayor Steve AdlerPhoto by Julie Skarratt Photography Inc.
What: Opening of Ellsworth Kelly's Austin gala
Where: The Blanton Museum of Art at The University of Texas at Austin
The lowdown: On February 10, more than 300 guests gathered under a tent beset with twinkling lights at the Blanton Museum to commemorate the opening of Ellsworth Kelly's Austin. The guest list for the exclusive black tie dinner read like a who's who of the art world, complete with artists, museum directors from around the country, local and state politicians, and philanthropists and art collectors all celebrating the momentous occasion.
The evening's festivities were hosted by Blanton Museum director Simone J. Wicha, UT president Gregory Fenves, Blanton National Leadership chairman Michael Klein, and Ellsworth Kelly Foundation president Jack Shear. Following remarks from the hosts, guests were treated to dinner from chef Elmar Prambs of the Four Seasons Hotel Austin.
Noted Austinites like Susan and Michael Dell, Mayor Steve Adler, and art world impresario Suzanne Deal Booth mingled with artists Teresa Hubbard, Alexander Birchler, Arlene Shechet, and Suzanne Bocanegra. Gov. Greg Abbott was on hand as well as directors of such museums as the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of Art, the San Francisco Museum of Art, and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Following dinner, attendees were treated to a first-hand look at Kelly's much anticipated new work, which is now open to the public.
Who: Janet and Wilson Allen, David G. Booth, Sarah and Ernest Butler, Stacy and Joel Hock, Jeanne and Michael Klein, Clayton Maebius, Lora Reynolds, Judy and Charles Tate, Leslie and Jack S. Blanton, Jr., Kelli and Eddy Blanton, Judy and David Beck, Carmel Fenves, Will Meredith, Charles Attal, Sylvie and Gary Crum, Anne and Richard Smalling, Del Williams and Cammy Wynne, Alexa Wesner, Lelia and Walt Mischer, Nancy and James Gordon, and Pam and David Ott.