$1.3 Million Dallas Night Brings a Virtual Emcee and a Hot Live Auction: Say Hello to the Art Ball of the Future

What: Art Ball 2018: Horizon – New. Now. Next.

Where: Dallas Museum of Art

PC Moment: Maybe it was the dreamy, sunrise-hued lighting streaming throughout the party tent, but the Dallas Museum of Art’s 53rd annual Art Ball felt like the dawn of a new day. Art Ball 2018: Horizon – Now. New. Next. was a celebration of the museum’s 115-year history, and a toast to its immense future.

The event, chaired by Rebecca Enloe Fletcher, raised more than $1.3 million in net revenue for the Dallas Museum of Art. The live auction alone brought in $343,000.

“I am thrilled to have been a part of this year’s Art Ball, not only because of my personal appreciation for the arts, but because it is an event that benefits and positively impacts the community on such a large scale,” Art Ball chair Rebecca Enloe Fletcher says a statement. “The Museum’s commitment to education is something I continually support, and I’m honored to have had the opportunity to work with such talented and generous individuals, including our Live Auction Chairs Brian Bolke and Faisal Halum, to ensure this year’s gala was such a tremendous success.”

The evening began with cocktail hour, when guests sipped Ruinart champagne, and a special Horizon cocktail by Volcan De Mi Tierra Cristalino tequila. Fendi provided the perfect pre-dinner photo op, complete with a branded Fendi tandem bicycle and stylish accessories.

As the 8 o’clock hour drew near, Salvador Dallas – the party’s virtual emcee – invited guests into the dining area. Todd Fiscus of Todd Events, Event Production Sponsor, transformed the space into a stunning, sun-drenched dream, complete with sculptural florals and modern décor. To complete the surreal scene, DJ Valida spun a unique blend of music, while dancers from Quixotic Cirque Nouveau performed behind screens on stage.

As attendees took their seats, a video featuring Eugene McDermott director Agustín Arteaga and board president Catherine Marcus Rose provided opening remarks. Cassandra Fine Catering served an artfully-prepared dinner of sous vide pork belly carbonara and pan-roasted loup de mer with Petrossian caviar.

As plates of chocolate mousse were passed around, Brook Hazelton, Christie’s President of the America’s, kicked off the live auction. Hot ticket items included an Ultimate Cowboys Experience; a Parisian package for two, complete with a bespoke experience at Louis Vuitton and a stay at the Hôtel de Crillon; a trip to Milan Fashion Week with Fendi; and a bespoke Chef’s Dinner at Bullion.

With the live auction drawing to a close, DJ Valida welcomed guests to the dance floor with classic dance hits.

Who: Art Ball Chair Rebecca Enloe Fletcher and Barron Fletcher, The Eugene McDermott Director Agustín Arteaga and Carlos Gonzalez-Jaime, DMA Board President Catherine Marcus Rose and Will Rose, DMA Board Chair Melissa Foster Fetter and Trevor Fetter, Live Auction Co-chairs Brian Bolke and Faisal Halum, Micki Rawlings, Honorable Mayor Mike Rawlings and daughter Michelle Rawlings, Bess and Ted Enloe, Jessica Nowitzki, Peggy and Carl Sewell, Lisa and Clay Cooley, Jennifer and John Eagle, Deedie Rose, Claire Dewar, Marguerite Steed Hoffman, Cindy and Howard Rachofsky, Nancy and Robbie Briggs, Amanda and Charlie Shufeldt, Sarah and Ross Perot, Jr., Elaine and Neils Agather, Shonn and Clarence Brown, Lea Anne Laughlin, Capera Ryan, Nancy and Clint Carlson, Lael and Peter Brodsky, Lindsey Collins, Clarice Tinsley and Stephen Giles, Lynn McBee, Nasiba and Thomas Hartland-Mackie, Laura and Walter Elcock.