DMA Announces Art Ball 2014 Entertainment

Gina Betts, chairman of Art Ball 2014, benefiting the Dallas Museum of Art, announced nine-time Grammy award–winning singer-songwriter, musician and producer John Legend as the headline entertainment for the forty-ninth annual event, which will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2014.

The announcement was made at a private reception at the home of Bob Nickell on Monday, November 4.  Betts also announced that long-standing DMA patrons Jennifer and John Eagle will be the 2014 Art Ball honorees and that Nancy C. and Richard R. Rogers will serve as the 2014 honorary chairmen. 

Betts then unveiled the theme for the annual fundraiser, 1920s Paris, which celebrates the creativity of that decade as depicted in works of art by Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí, novels by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, haute couture by designers Christian Dior and Coco Chanel, and spectacular jewelry by Cartier. The theme also provided the inspiration for the evening’s entertainment, which is sponsored by Nancy C. and Richard R. Rogers.  

Betts remarked, “I chose John Legend to perform because not only is he a phenomenal talent, but his music is reminiscent of the 1920s, with a modern twist. With John, R&B, soul and neo soul are all wrapped into one talented singer-songwriter. I think he will appeal to all ages attending the Ball!”

Tom Addis, a renowned Dallas event designer, will be charged with bringing Betts’ vision of 1920s Paris to life. Addis’ plans include a beautiful clear tent over the Sculpture Garden, which will be transformed into a romantic French garden where guests will enjoy cocktails and the silent auction. Partygoers will then stroll to the tented Ross Avenue Plaza to enjoy a multi-course seated dinner featuring French and Art Deco–inspired cuisine by Cassandra Fine Catering, and then have a chance to bid on one-of-kind items in the luxury live auction. 

Once John Legend takes the stage in the main tent, the Sculpture Garden will become the setting for a sultry after-party with Hemingway-inspired bars featuring absinthe and champagne cocktails, and dance music provided by DJ Stephane Pompougnac from Hotel Costes in Paris. 

Proceeds from Art Ball directly affect the DMA’s commitment to providing access to its collection and a wide range of exhibitions and educational and public programs to the community.  

For ticket and sponsorship information, contact Catherine Cody at ccody@DMA.org or by phone at 214-922-1353.