Oct. 22, 2016 @ 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
About Catrina Gala 2016
Following last year’s remarkable debut of the Catrina Ball, Mexic-Arte Museum and the 2016 Catrina Ball Honorary Chair Alina Flores and Co-Chairs Sofia Avila, Victoria Avila, and Laurel and Edgar Prats hosted the second annual Catrina Ball on October 22, 2016. 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). This event helped the Museum raise funding for its highly acclaimed education and exhibition programs. Guests donned elegant and adventurous ball dress, as well as Calavera/Día de los Muertos makeup, rose crowns, and other timeless couture in the style of La Catrina. This night of dancing and fashion was attended by Austin’s most influential luminaries and supporters of the arts.
The Museum was proud to award Master Sculpture Sebastián the Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award and Becky Beaver with the Patron Simply Perfect Patron of the Arts Award. The banquet hall of the Four Seasons was transformed with marvelous Día de los Muertos-inspired flowers and décor generously sponsored by Mandarin Design Lab, as well as a Runway Show featuring dresses from Sebastián’s clothing line. The Museum would like to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone to who contributed to the success of the Catrina Ball. The Board is grateful for your leadership and enthusiasm!
Inspired by José Guadalupe Posada’s famous 1913 zinc etching La Calavera Catrina (“The Elegant Skull”), guests are invited to show off their dramatic Calavera/Día de los Muertos makeup, lush rose crowns, and other inspired couture. This spirited and artistically-inspired evening is destined to become an annual legacy event of culture and fashion. All proceeds support the Mexic-Arte Museum’s education and arts outreach programs as well as its renowned exhibitions.
Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award
This year, the Board of Directors will honor Master Artist and Sculptor Sebastián with the Lifetime Achievement in the Visual Arts Award at the annual Catrina Ball for his significant contributions and major accomplishments in the arts and culture. Sebastián (born Enrique Carbajal González on November 15, 1947 in Santa Rosalía de Camargo, Chihuahua, Mexico) is a world-renowned Mexican sculptor based in Mexico City. He is mainly known for his monumental structures, constructed from iron or concrete and exist in cities around the world from San Antonio, Texas to Osaka, Japan. His sculptural work is based in geometric concepts. A brilliant and multifaceted artist, Sebastián’s work range includes architectural design, painting, smaller-scale sculpture, jewelry, set design, multimedia shows, fashion and costume design, and more. In 1997 he formed the Fundación Cultural Sebastián in Mexico City and Museo Sebastián located in the city of Chihuahua, featuring a permanent collection exhibition of Sebastián’s work. The Museum is pleased to announce that Sebastián’s artistic fashions will be highlighted on the runway during the Catrina Ball.
Patron of the Arts Award
The Board of Directors presented the Mexic-Arte Museum Patron of the Arts Award, recognizing Austin luminary and supporter of the arts Becky Beaver. Becky served on the Board of Mexic-Arte Museum (2011-2012) and is a longtime member of the Museum. She has participated in the Mexico City Art Tour and collects a range of styles, including works by the Mexican artist Arturo Garcia Bustos. Her downtown office is home to a diverse selection of Austin and Texas artists.
Photos
Photos by Chris Caselli