Blanton Museum of Art Raises $1.2 Million at Stylish Western-Themed Gala

The Blanton Museum of Art raised $1.2 million during its biennial gala on Saturday, March 29, supporting exhibitions, K–12 education programs and the care of its growing art collection. Nearly 200 guests attended the Texas-themed black-tie event, held on the museum’s grounds at The University of Texas at Austin. The evening was hosted by Blanton Director Simone J. Wicha, National Leadership Board Chair Aubrey Epstein and Bobby Epstein, and co-hosted by actress and UT alumna Lindsey Morgan.

1

4

Blanton Museum of Art Gala co-hosts Shaun Sipos and Lindsey Morgan. (Photo by David Brendan Hall)

2

4

Austin country musician Calder Allen performs at the Blanton Museum of Art Gala with musicians, from left, Bukka Allen, Falcon Valdez, John Michael and Austin Woodrow Morgan. (Photo by David Brendan Hall)

3

4

Justine’s Brasserie hosted the cocktail hour at the Blanton Museum of Art Gala. The Austin restaurant is opening a café at the museum this spring. (Photo by David Brendan Hall)

4

4

Gala attendees dine at the Blanton Museum of Art with barbecue from newly Michelin-starred LeRoy and Lewis, paired with wines curated by Twin Liquors and Shiner Beer. (Photo by David Brendan Hall)

Evening highlights

Guests began the night with a cocktail hour featuring hors d’oeuvres from the museum’s upcoming café by Justine’s Brasserie, a champagne tower and live jazz by Alice Spencer. The design and theme—an homage to the 1984 film “Paris, Texas”—featured Austin designer Dave McClinton’s custom Western toile visuals and on-site bespoke hats from Trovador Customs.

A seated dinner followed, with barbecue from Michelin-starred LeRoy and Lewis, wines curated by Twin Liquors and Shiner Beer. Guests toasted with Lalo Tequila, then participated in a live auction hosted by Cowboy Auctioneers. Items included a VIP Formula 1 experience and a private tour and dinner tied to the Blanton’s upcoming “Spirit & Splendor” exhibition.

The after-party moved inside the museum, where rising Austin country artist Calder Allen performed songs from his forthcoming album.

Remarks and reflections

“This museum is the only place in the heart of Texas where visitors can experience such an exceptional range and quality of art,” Wicha said in her remarks. “Because of that, the community has embraced this museum. And just wait until you see what happens when the new café from Justine’s opens later this year.”

Board Chair Aubrey Epstein highlighted the museum’s growing role in the city: “While nature grants cities wealth and time gives them stature, only through art do they achieve true greatness.”

Vice Chair Elle Moody added, “Austin is staking its claim—with the Blanton at the forefront, we’re quickly becoming a cultural powerhouse in our own right.”

The funds raised will directly support the museum’s exhibitions and education initiatives, including programs for K–12 students and community outreach.

Upcoming exhibitions and events

Currently on view is “In Creative Harmony: Three Artistic Partnerships” through July 20. Opening August 24, “Spirit & Splendor: El Greco, Velázquez, and the Hispanic Baroque” will spotlight Spanish masterpieces in conversation with contemporary perspectives.

The Blanton continues to offer monthly public events, including:

• Blanton All Day – Saturday, April 12
• Public Tour: In Creative Harmony – Tuesday, April 15
• Blanton Live: Conversations for Now – Art Theft – Sunday, April 27

For more information, visit blantonmuseum.org.

The post Blanton Museum of Art Raises $1.2 Million at Stylish Western-Themed Gala appeared first on Tribeza.