Social Scene

Art lovers gather at glam gala in celebration of the Blanton's colorful legacy

Art lovers, Longhorns and artists alike gathered at the Blanton Museum of Art on Saturday for a night of elegance and glam. The colorfully named “Off the Wall” gala revealed the Blanton’s future endeavors, while honoring University of Texas President Bill Powers.

The evening began with a stellar cocktail hour full of photo ops, open bars and upbeat tunes on the Blanton’s main floor. Guests paraded from cocktail hour to dinner at the Bob Bullock Museum where attendees were transported into a setting as art-inspired as the exhibits themselves.

Hues of purple in the floral centerpieces and lighting made for a classy ambience, while a three-course dinner, prepared by Four Seasons Hotel Chef Elmar Prambs, was full of fresh flavors and indulgent pairings.

During dinner, director Simone Wicha and Michel Klein, chairman of the Blanton National Leadership Board, doted on the man of the hour. The UT president was met with a standing ovation as he took the podium to address the audience. “What a trajectory this museum is on,” Powers said. “Leading UT for these last nine years has been an honor. And having you as friends has been a truly wonderful blessing.”

The gala raised $850,000 for the future funding of new exhibits.

Following dinner, guests returned to the Blanton for the lively “Art on the Edge” after party. The main floor and mezzanine filled with partygoers dressed in their black tie best. Attendees danced to tunes by DJ Mel and the Memphis Train Revue. The after party was the perfect balance of art and edge –– hence its namesake –– where guests were able to sneak a peek at new exhibit “Witness: Art and Civil Rights in the Sixties” and “La linea continua: The Judy and Charles Tate Collection of Latin American Art,” strike a pose at the photo booth and grab a cocktail from bars sprinkled throughout the museum. Needless to say, the evening was certainly one to remember.

Among the notable guests spotted on the red carpet were Lance Avery Morgan, Carolyn Farb, Suzanne Deal Booth, Jennifer Ransom Rice, Yasmin and Steve Patterson, Leslie and Jack Blanton Jr., Candice and Vince Young, Kelli and Eddy Blanton.

Elizabeth Blanton, Jack Blanton Jr., Leslie Blanton.

Blanton Art Museum Off The Wall Gala 2015 Jack Blanton Leslie Blanton

Photo by AzulOx Visuals

Elizabeth Blanton, Jack Blanton Jr., Leslie Blanton.

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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