Where the Gibbes is going, and where the Gibbes has been, certainly isn’t a mystery, but the amount of planning, creating, and excitement that has gone into Society 1858’s Winter 2015 party has been, frankly, magic. By “magic,” I mean, it’s amazing how easily things have fallen into place for this party. The generosity and involvement of our local vendors, venues, artists, sponsors, and patrons have really been the driving force behind this party (and of course, Lasley Steever, Director of Programs & Events at the Gibbes Museum)!
I couldn’t be more excited or honored to co-chair, along with Kristin Romness, the first “off-campus” party! For the last four years our annual winter party has been held inside the museum, but due to the renovations, we’ve had to look elsewhere for a venue. While it has been overwhelming at times knowing that we were responsible for pulling off this unique event at another space, it has also allowed us to be as creative as we possibly could. For example, we were able to toy with different themes, formality, and ideas depending on which venue we decided upon, and the Woolfe Street Playhouse could not be more perfect for this British mod-pop Beatles party. Think psychedelic colors, swinging 60s set-up, and anglophile style. Beats by DJ Jeff will spin throughout the night for the ultimate dance party. Guests will love the appropriately themed eats by Tristan and drinks by Striped Pig Distillery and Westbrook Brewery. But of course in true Gibbes style, we will have a few tricks up our sleeves as well.
This is a party with a purpose because proceeds go to support the 1858 Prize for Contemporary Southern Art, which is open to artists from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Virginia and includes a $10,000 cash price for an artist whose work contributes to a new understanding of art in the South. That’s why we are so excited to offer guests the chance to win a piece by one of the following contemporary southern artists: Charles Ailstock, Brian Coleman, John Duckworth, Richard Hagerty, Christopher Holt, Robert Lange, Megan Lange, Hirona Matsuda, Andrew Smock, Kate Long Stevenson, Lulie Wallace, John Westmark, and Ben Gately Williams. I have both of my fingers crossed for winning! Prices start at $15!
The fourth-annual party is sure to be a groovy gig, so I hope you get your tickets before it sells out!
58 Winter Party: The Magical Mystery Tour
Friday, February 20, 8-11pm
$70 Society 1858 Members, $95 Non Society 1858 Members
$130 Ticket, plus an Individual Membership for the Gibbes Museum and Society 1858 ($10 Discount)
Location: Woolfe Street Playhouse, 34 Woolfe Street
Published February 17, 2015