Oct. 21, 2015 @ 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
About Catrina Gala 2015
This year marked the debut, in grand fashion, of the Catrina Ball, a black tie masquerade concept event. La Calavera Catrina (“The Elegant Skull”) is an etching by Mexican printmaker José Guadalupe Posada and is most often incorporated into artistic manifestations of el Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead). In addition to elegant and adventurous ball dress, guests wore masks, Calavera/Día de los Muertos makeup, rose crowns, and other timeless couture in the style of La Catrina. The Mexic-Arte Museum, Catrina Ball Co-Chairs Laurel and Edgar Prats and Patricia Vonne, and the event partners truly “kept the spirits alive” and initiated an annual event and fashion extravaganza attended by Austin’s most influential luminaries and supporters of the arts. The Board is grateful for their leadership and enthusiasm.
The banquet hall of the Four Seasons was transformed with marvelous Día de los Muertos-inspired flowers and décor in marigold yellows, bright pinks and glimmering oranges, as well as a beautiful flowered arch with adorned skeletons, that acted as the entrance for the Día de los Muertos Runway Show by Midi Soliz. All of these gorgeous decorations were generously designed and provided by Mandarin Design Lab. The Museum would like to give a heartfelt thank you and acknowledgement to Mandarin Design Lab, especially to Sofia Avila, for these amazing contributions that helped shape the atmosphere of the evening. Another highlight of the night was the Runway Show by celebrity stylist, costume and fashion designer Midi Soliz. Guests were awed by her parade of glamourous creative high-fashion interpretations of La Catrina, La Llorona, and other characters influenced by the spirit of Mexico.
Guests enjoyed special performances by Patricia Vonne, an award-winning artist who performed songs from her latest album entitled “Viva Bandolera”. DJ Adriana Lucia from Monterrey, Mexico, known for her combination of sounds and unique vocals, entertained the audience throughout the evening. The Brew inspired dancing and fun towards the end of the night with their electrifying style of Latin-Jazz. The Four Seasons Ballroom was filled with impressive guests, images of great art, beautiful music, flavorful cuisine and delicious beverages by Patron Tequila.
Young Latino Artists Exhibition Program Highlight
Since 1996, the Young Latino Artists (YLA) exhibition has showcased the work of over 250 talented young Latino/a artists. The Young Latino Artists exhibit is recognized as Mexic-Arte Museum’s most exciting and energetic exhibition of the season. Several YLA artists attended the Gala as guests of honor, including: Connie Arismendi; Ricky Armendariz; Anica Bazán; Candace Briceño; Kimberly Campbell; Alex Freeman; Michael Anthony Garcia; April Garcia; Robert Harrington; James Huizar; Ivete Lucas; Randy Muñiz; Cruz Ortiz; Nicole Pollentier; Angel Quesada; Juan Ramos; Gil Rocha; David Vega; and Claudia Zapata. The artists also created a collection of signature, hand-made masquerade masks for Gala del Museo – Catrina Ball, which guests were able to admire and purchase.
Civic Leader in the Arts Award
The Board of Directors presented the Mexic-Arte Museum Civic Leader in the Arts Award 2015 to Mary Ann Thompson Frenk for her significant contributions and major accomplishments in arts and culture. Mary Ann is an exemplary, visionary artist who has generously supported many diverse groups in the U.S., Mexico, and other countries, creating bridges for peaceful collaboration to improve the lives and hearts of hundreds of people in the areas of human rights, the environment, cultural heritage, and the arts. The core message behind Mary Ann’s speech—“The way you defy bigotry is to lead an exemplary life!”— inspired many of the Gala del Museo guests.
Photos
Photos by Krystal Malloy