World of Wonders

Out-of-this-world gala celebrates 60th anniversary of Austin museum

What: World of Wonders Gala

Where: Harry Ransom Center

The details: On Saturday, April 22, the Harry Ransom Center celebrated its 60th anniversary with the World of Wonders Gala on the University of Texas campus. The affair started with a cocktail reception and after-hours look at the Ransom Center's collection. Guests then moved to the main mall for a seated dinner, where the UT Tower served as a stunning backdrop.

Gala co-chairs, author/journalist Sally Quinn and writer, director, producer Matthew Weiner of Mad Men fame, addressed the crowd, as did Kate O'Toole, daughter of the legendary Peter O'Toole. The Ransom Center raised over $400,000 through auction items and ticket proceeds to fund further acquisitions.

Who: Matthew Weiner, Sally Quinn, Steve Enniss, Greg and Carmel Fenves, Kate O'Toole, Elizabeth Avellán, Billy Collins, Philipp Meyer, Michael Ondaatje, Robert Schenkkan, Maggie Taylor, Colm Tóibín, Laura Wilson, Michael and Jeanne Klein, Michael Kentor, Mandy Dealey, Jennifer Kuczaj, Margie Rine, Kelly Cooper McClure, Liz Losada, Margaret Hight, Phil Hight, Julie Hight, Kifani and Matt Beahm, Luke Borders, Justin and Samantha Halloran, Amanda Rivera, Taylor and Shawn Bose, Lyndsey and Shaun Jordan, Eric Colleary, Adrian Garrell, Carmel and Tom Borders, Carolina and Sergio Alcocer, Dusty Black, Gabe Black, Dawn Black, Taylor Russell, Jason Masterson, Scoot McNairy, Regan Smith, Michael Black, and Ford Black.

Michael Kentor and Mandy Dealey.

Ransom Center World of Wonders Gala 2017 Michael Kentor Mandy Dealey

Photo by Ben Porter Photography

Michael Kentor and Mandy Dealey.

best-dressed university-texas

Night at the Museum

Austin museum opens lush gala afterparties to the public for first time

Photo from Thecontemporaryaustin.org.

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For 11 years now, the Contemporary Austin has been hosting "Art Dinners" at its lakeside location, Laguna Gloria. These fairytale-like galas take place as dusk sets in, surrounded by twinkling lights strung across the property's sprawling 14-acre sculpture park. But until now, they've been invitation-only affairs. For the first time ever, the Contemporary Austin is inviting the public to the best part this magical evening: a late-night afterparty.

The Art Dinners have welcomed 300 art luminaries, collectors, civic leaders, and philanthropists over these years to raise funds for the museum's classes and exhibits.

On October 25, once the dishes are put away and the early birds have weeded themselves out, the Art Dinner Afterparty will begin. It will go from 9:30 until "late evening."

Guests can expect a pop-up cocktail bar by the cool Austin speakeasy Garage, with specialty drinks like espresso martinis. Plus, there will be late night snacks from Dolce Bacio Gelato and Restart CBD. Live music and performances will be provided by J'cuuzi and DJ SuperNova of Pangea Sound. Highlights also include: tarot card and palm readings, live body painting, and fire dancing. All of this set to the stunning backdrop of Laguna Gloria's grounds at night. It's basically A Midsummer Night's Dream.

A DJ performs at a late-night Laguna Gloria party. Live music for this after party will include performances by J'cuuzi and DJ SuperNova of Pangea Sound. Photo courtesy of Giant Noise

"We're excited for the magic of our iconic Art Dinner to reach wider audiences," says the museum's Earnest and Sarah Butler executive director and CEO, Sharon Maidenberg, in a release. "We wanted to extend the welcome to more folks and give them the opportunity to engage with our gala, which has historically been a very intimate affair."

Tickets are now on sale on the Contemporary Austin's website at $160 for members and $200 for nonmembers. Ticket sales will benefit the museum's exhibits and educational programming. The Contemporary is Austin's only museum focused solely on contemporary artists and their work. It offers year-round exhibitions, classes, workshops, and events.

$The Contemporary Austin \u2014 Laguna Gloria$ The Contemporary Austin — Laguna Gloria is one of the most beautifu Artwork by Tom Friedman, photo by Brian Fitzsimmons via the Contemporary Austin

Event organizers recommend that guests "dress sharp." Valet parking will be provided, but if this night is as Shakespearian as we think it might be, you may want to catch a rideshare.

More information about the museum is available at thecontemporaryaustin.org.

museums galleries galas dinner visual art