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April 11, 2015
Dallas' most rousing art gala impresses with
fundraising and fashion prowess
By Kendall Morgan
Kimberly Chandler, Joyce Goss, Nasiba Adilova Photo by Desiree Espada
Franklyn Boyd, Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, Krystal Schlegel, Kari Schlegel Kloewer Photo by Desiree Espada
A homecoming celebration is always more festive, and MTV RE:DEFINE’s return to the GossMichael Foundation was no exception to the rule. But this time, the event had a more
international and fashionable feel, with art world movers and shakers from around the globe in
town for the Dallas Art Fair joining the stellar host committee of nearly 200 local luminaries —
dressed in everything from full-length straw skirts to velvet party pants printed with butterflies.
“I love the energy in Dallas,” announced the Art Production Fund co-founder Yvonne Force
Villareal, who brought Friends With You’s Light Cave to the Dallas Contemporary for the
weekend.
Having raised more than $4 million to date for the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, MTV
RE:DEFINE is significant in its charitable impact, but it’s an equally important occasion for the
artists who are asked to participate. For up-and-comers like Oliver Clegg and Friends with
You’s Samuel Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III, the opportunity to share the spotlight with
some of the art world’s heaviest hitters while fighting the global rise of HIV makes it an
unmissable event.
http://dallas.culturemap.com/news/arts/04-08-15-dallas-arts-week-insiders-guide-fair-galleries/
Patrons were definitely in the mood to give, to party and to purchase from the carefully curated
silent auction. Gallerist Erin Cluley had her eye on a piece by Nathan Green, while Justine
Ludwig of the Dallas Contemporary had Shilpa Gupta’s photographic work on her wish list.
After sampling cocktails provided by the Midnight Rambler, guests moved into a large tent for a
performance by I.U.D. and a divine dinner from Americano, The Joule’s new Italian-inspired
restaurant launching in fall 2015. After indulging in swordfish and fennel, tenderloin, and
porchetta with polenta, everyone settled back for the auction, a highlight of which was a video of
friends, family and art world heavies honoring Michael Craig-Martin.
Arguably one of the most beloved figures in modern art, Craig-Martin nonetheless admitted he
was “completely overwhelmed” by the tribute, calling it his “Academy Award moment.” Dapper
auctioneer and Paddle8 co-founder Alexander Gilkes then took the stage, revving up the crowd
with the battle cry, “You’ve got big hair and big food. Let’s be BIG!”
No worries there; bidding got big right away. Works by Nate Lowman, Damien Hirst and
Mario Testino all went for well over $100,000, helping the main auction garner more than $1.5
million. As partygoers drifted off into the night, serious collectors lingered in the gallery, making
final bids until the very last moment and driving the evening’s total to a very impressive $2.2
million.
Joining sister co-chairs Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, Krystal Schlegel and Kari Schlegel
Kloewer in the revelry were Brian Bolke, Faisal Halum, Peter Doroshenko, Joyce Goss,
Kenny Goss, Tammy Cotton Harnett, Muffin and John Lemak, Niven Morgan, Shelby
Wagner, Richard Phillips, Cindy and Howard Rachofsky, Capera Ryan, Arden Wohl,
Deedie Rose, Barbara Daseke, Christen Wilson, Sheryl and Eric Maas, Nancy Rogers, and
Kimberly Chandler.
John Lemak, Muffin Lemak, Sheryl Maas, Eric Maas Photo by Desiree Espada
Michael Craig-Martin, Christen Wilson Photo by Desiree Espada
http://dallas.culturemap.com/news/arts/04-08-15-dallas-arts-week-insiders-guide-fair-galleries/
Brian Bolke, Marguerite Hoffman, Cindy Rachofsky, Howard Rachofsky Photo by Desiree Espada
John Clutts, Sami Arslanlar Photo by Desiree Espada
Candice Hutchinson Photo by Desiree Espada
Tyson Reeder, Adrianne Rubinstein Photo by Desiree Espada
http://dallas.culturemap.com/news/arts/04-08-15-dallas-arts-week-insiders-guide-fair-galleries/
Fan Zhong, Allyson Shiffman Photo by Desiree Espada
Loc Truong, Nini Nguyen Photo by Desiree Espada
Diamond Mahone, Anais Assoun, Graysha Assoun, Amanda Reed Photo by Desiree Espada
Shelby Wagner, Niven Morgan Photo by Desiree Espada
http://dallas.culturemap.com/news/arts/04-08-15-dallas-arts-week-insiders-guide-fair-galleries/
Brian Bolke, Faisal Halum Photo by Desiree Espada
MTV RE:DEFINE is one of the most exciting art auctions of the year. Photo by Desiree Espada
Kendall Morgan, Tim O'Heir Photo by Desiree Espada
Roksalana Karmayzn, Peter Doroshenko Photo by Desiree Espada
http://dallas.culturemap.com/news/arts/04-08-15-dallas-arts-week-insiders-guide-fair-galleries/
Nerissa von Helpenstill, Sabrina Dee, Dustin Holcomb Photo by Desiree Espada
David Tiller Photo by Desiree Espada
Nancy Rogers, Michael Torres Photo by Desiree Espada
Justin Whitman, Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, Brad Kelly Photo by Desiree Espada
http://dallas.culturemap.com/news/arts/04-08-15-dallas-arts-week-insiders-guide-fair-galleries/
Patrons gaze upon items up for bid. Photo by Desiree Espada
The scene outside Goss-Michael Foundation. Photo by Desiree Espada
I.U.D. Photo by Desiree Espada
http://dallas.culturemap.com/news/arts/04-08-15-dallas-arts-week-insiders-guide-fair-galleries/