The 2015 “O What a Night!” gala began in the Patrick F. Taylor Library, where guests viewed and bid on silent auction art while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres by chef Justin Devillier of La Petite Grocery and Balise.
Helen Gillet performed as guests moved from the library to the adjacent tent, where Jeremy Davenport provided entertainment. Guests enjoyed a dinner provided by chef Ryan Prewitt of Pêche Seafood Grill and the Link Restaurant Group.
The silent auction featured 60 items and the live auction featured 20. In addition to original artwork by some of the region’s most prominent artists, spa and hotel packages and custom articles of clothing were up for grabs. The live auction, led by auctioneer CK Swett, featured work by Robert Rauschenberg, Pinkney Herbert, William Dunlap, Raine Bedsole, Thornton Dial, Gregory Saunders, Bonnie Maygarden, Betsy Eby, Lynda Benglis, James Michalopoulos, Hunt Slonem, George Dunbar, Fritz Bultman, David Borgerding, Simon Gunning, Michael J. Deas, Lin Emery, John Alexander and James Surls.
David Kerstein, president of the Helis Foundation, was honored for his contributions to the New Orleans art community with the 2015 Opus Award. Mignon Faget designed the award, inspired by the architecture of the Patrick F. Taylor Library. It was presented by Ogden Museum Director William Pittman Andrews and Allison Kendrick. Chairman of the Board.
The evening concluded with lively dancing to ELS Show Band.
2015 Co-Chairs were Tracey Copeland and Karen Solomon. Revenue from the gala supports education programs at the Ogden Museum, which serves over 12,500 children and adults annually.
EVENT AT A GLANCE
What: “O What a Night!” gala, benefiting Ogden Museum of Southern Art
When: Saturday, October 24
Where: Ogden Museum of Southern Art
