Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1547304
Fire Into the By Melissa Smrekar. Photography Chase Hall, Kaitlin Saragusa. N o t h i n g a b o u t D a l l a s Contemporary's sold-out Candela gala was a slow burn — and how could it be, with a name that means flame, among other scintillating connotations. The theme perfectly suited this celebration of Latin American artists and their lasting impact on contemporary culture. Even the events leading up to the big night hinted that we were in for something special, from the vibrant announcement luncheon to a dinner with Belmond that transformed the kunsthalle into a train car and a night that dripped with Missoni's iconic zigzag. Candela co-chairs Catalina Gonzalez Jorba, Peter Augustus Owen, and Ramiro Garcia created an evening steeped in the cultural richness and creativity surrounding the internationally focused museum. Ann and John McReynolds served as presenting sponsors, while Joyce Goss and Kenny Goss were honorary chairs. The evening also celebrated Dallas Contemporary's 2026 Honored Artist, Colombian artist Iván Argote, whose exhibition "How to Move a Monument on a Tuesday Morning" is on view at the Contemporary through January 31, 2027. A turquoise 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air parked out front functioned as a visual time machine that transported us to mid- century Havana. Live music ushered guests inside the Contemporary, where effervescent dancers from Delilah wore white satin and pearl gowns with sheer pink opera-length gloves. Magnificent projections (flamingos! cars! dancers!) set the scene. After a turn at the step-and-repeat, Dallas' coolest arts patrons, with Campari cocktails in hand, offered air-kisses while loosening their hips to the beats of DJ RomiQ. The flame of Candela was lit! DALLAS CONTEMPORARY'S CANDELA GALA RAISES A RECORD-BREAKING $1.7 MILLION. (Continued) Edward & Erin Keith Kaleta Blaffer Johnson, Nathalie Barrera Capera Ryan, Muffin Lemak Santiago Jorba, Iván Argote Alex & Gowri Sharma Meghan Looney Brian Bolke, Faisal Halum, Bela Cooley, Porschla & Jason Kidd Annika Cail, Augie Lasseter, Shiva & David Beck Pablo Arellano Ramiro Garcia Treasure Maddox Hannah Christy Doramus Kaitlin Saragusa Catalina Gonzalez Jorba 58