One of Huntsville’s premier events, the Annual Gala, will be returning to the Huntsville Museum of Art in the first week of March. Hosted by the Museum’s Gala Committee, the Gala will consist of three events and will benefit Museum programming throughout the year.
The first event will take place on March 3 and will be a luncheon with celebrated interior decorator, Richard Keith Langham. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and having attended the Study Center for the Fine and Decorative Arts in London, Langham is known for creating signature rooms that speak of the past in a fresh way that brims with color, pattern, and couture.
Betty Hornsby is a co-chair for the 29th Gala and said the Luncheon is always popular and that the Gala Committee looks forward to welcoming such a prestigious speaker.
“The Gala Luncheon on March 3 is always a sellout! We have secured renowned interior designer Richard Keith Langham as our speaker, and Lee Lee Ray, of Lyn’s Gracious Goodness, will serve a wonderful meal complete with southern hospitality. Mr. Langham is a Brewton, Alabama born, but Manhattan-based interior designer who has worked with such notable ladies as Jackie Onassis and Mrs. William F. Buckley, Jr. and is known for his sense of humor and quick wit,” Hornsby said.
The next event will take place on March 5 and will be a Black-Tie Dinner and Live Auction. Guests can enjoy a cocktail hour followed by dinner with reserved seating and a live auction of art and trips.
Hornsby said the event will feature the art in the Live Auction as well as that of the Gala featured artist, Ignat Ignatov.
“The Gala Live Auction Dinner is an elegant night where the main focus is on the art. Gorgeous art and over-the-top trips and parties will be auctioned off in a sale by bid, and it is always an exciting night to watch the bidding, even if you don’t participate. Chef James Boyce has created a delectable menu for your enjoyment and Event Coordinator Carl Casiday has planned a stunning floral extravaganza to transport you to an English garden!
The final event will take place on March 7 and will be a cocktail party and silent auction. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the Gala featured artist and enjoy live music and a silent auction.
According to Hornsby, the Gala Cocktail offers guests a fun evening at the Museum and has something for all tastes.
“The Gala Cocktail party and Silent Auction is the only event offering you the chance to dance the night away inside museum galleries surrounded by fabulous art and amazing trips and other treasures available for purchase- there is something for everyone! The live band, 4 Barrel Funk, will be drawing you to the dance floor and Chef Narvell will be tempting you with her culinary creations, and this is all while benefiting your local Huntsville Museum of Art!” she said.
An art exhibition by contemporary artist, Ignat Ignatov, will also be on display at the Museum from Feb. 1 – March 7 as part of the event. Born in Veliko Tarnovo and growing up in Sevlievo, Bulgaria, Ignatov began pursuing a career in art at the age of 13. After graduating from the School of Arts in Tryavna, Bulgaria, he was accepted into the University of Arts in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. Using finances from his art sales, he eventually financed a move to the United States and currently lives in Charleston, SC.
Hornsby said the Gala Committee is excited to be welcoming such a talented artist to be part of the event. She said the exhibition that is currently on display at the Museum is already receiving positive feedback and praise.
“Our featured artist, Ignat Ignatov, has already created a buzz around Huntsville. He is known for his exceptional talent to paint light and the paintings truly appear as if they are glowing! Mr. Ignatov was born and raised in Bulgaria, but recently relocated to the US and is currently residing in Charleston, SC. We are thrilled and honored to host him at our Gala this year!” she said.
The Gala will also be adding a new element to the event this year to include “buy now, take later” items. Art, parties, trips and other items will be available for immediate purchase beginning Feb. 11. The items can be viewed in the Huth, Boeing and Salmon Galleries with Gala representatives available for more information on select days. Ignat’s stunning artwork will also be available under the Buy Now, Take Later program and is on display in the Haws Gallery. The items can be purchased through guest services and taken home after the Gala event.
“We are so excited about this new addition, and we hope it helps people secure an item that they don’t want to lose in a bidding battle! That way they can freely enjoy themselves at the parties,” Hornsby said.
Additional information and ticket pricing can be found on the website here. Tickets for the cocktail can be purchased here. You can buy tickets for the Black-Tie Dinner and Cocktail by calling 256-525-4350 x. 241.
