Art Ball 2024 Celebrated a Night of MOMENTUM

Paul von Wupperfeld and Andy Smith co-chaired Art Ball 2024 (Credit: Tamytha Cameron)

On Saturday, April 13, 2024, 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 esteemed Dallas Museum of Art. Featuring an evening of dinner, drinks, a live auction, and an exciting afterparty, 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 Art Ball 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.

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 including Elaine and Neils Agather, Gonzalo Bueno, Lucy and Tom Burns, Nancy Carlson, Ceron, Grace Cook, Laura and Walter Elcock, Pam and Jeff Ellerman, JoJo and Eric Fleiss, Nancy and Jeremy Halbreich, Robert Hallam, Jr., Nardos Imam, Christina and Sal Jafar, Catalina Gonzalez Jorba and Santiago Jorba, Kasey and Todd Lemkin, Lynn McBee, Andrea and Vipin Nambiar, Adriana and Guillermo Perales, Deedie Rose, Ryan Ross, Capera Ryan, Alana and Adrian Sada, Peggy Sewell, Gowri and Alex Sharma, Amanda and Charlie Shufeldt, Victoria Snee, Gayle Stoffel, Emily and Steve Summers and Sharon Young.

Patrons and supporters at Art Ball 2024 (Credit: Tamytha Cameron)

"Supporting the Dallas Museum of Art through this event has been a pleasure and a privilege.” said Andy Smith, co-chair of the 2024 Art Ball. “The contributions from the Art Ball are crucial for the DMA, facilitating world-class exhibitions, complimentary admission, and a range of educational and outreach programs. This achievement would not have been possible without the generous support from our sponsors and donors."

‘MOMENTUM’ was selected as this year’s theme as it embodies the pulsating force propelling 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 aims to honor the Museum's rich history while joyously celebrating the momentum that drives us onward, ignites artistic creation, and propels us to explore the limitless possibilities the future has in store.

"Co-chairing the Art Ball in support of the DMA has been an immense honor. The theme 'MOMENTUM' perfectly captures the vibrant energy driving the Dallas Museum of Art from an extraordinary past toward a thrilling future." said co-chair, Paul von Wupperfeld.

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 at 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 of MOMENTUM, 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. A clear tent 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. 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. Versa tube lighting in interesting shapes adorned the staircase to give a focal moment in the room.

The Eugene McDermott Director of the DMA, Agustín Arteaga, took to the stage and welcomed guests. “Dallas is a city with big dreams, big ambitions, big opportunities... and tonight, big celebrations! We are in a pivotal moment of transition for the DMA as our ambition grows and as our city grows. We are eager to continue to serve our visitors and patrons who encourage us to redefine what it means to be an art museum in the 21st century and inspire us to give our community what it deserves – a place where all visitors encounter new experiences, where diversity thrives, and where the breadth and quality of our world-class collection reflects the vibrancy of our beloved city!”

Live Auction Chairs, Christina Jafar and Catalina Gonzalez Jorba, assembled an incredible array of items and experiences with all proceeds directly supporting the DMA. Packages included an exclusive ETRO experience in Milan, a two-night stay at the iconic Carlyle Hotel in New York City, five-night Zambian safari trip, and a curated journey to Bogotá and Cartagena with The Eugene McDermott Director of the DMA, Agustín Arteaga, among other items. Guests then delighted in an artful 3-course meal by Art 2 Catering (menu details provided below). At the close of the live auction dancers dressed in sparkling vintage gold descended on the atrium as the music turned up to transition into the after party.

Hamilton Sneed and Cynthia Smoot (Credit: Tamytha Cameron)

Art Ball guest celebrates with one of the after-party entertainers at Art Ball 2024 (Credit: Tamytha Cameron)

After dinner, late night revelers returned to Eagle Family Plaza for a rousing afterparty. A décor flip from Todd Events during dinner had transformed the space into a seductive bar in an homage to Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle in New York City. The room showcased floating artworks of Dallas landmarks like the Pegasus Flying Horse in the style of Ludwig Bemelman that hung 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 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 offer themselves as dance partners to guests who wanted to join in the fun.