Phoenix Art Museum to honor local philanthropists, premiere Legends of Speed at fall gala

Aug, 20, 2019

Exhibitions and Special InstallationsSpecial Engagement ExhibitionsSpecial Events and Programs

Phoenix Art Museum to honor local philanthropists, premiere Legends of Speed at fall gala

The pARTy in the Garden on November 2 will celebrate Museum’s 60th anniversary with exhibition of race cars

PHOENIX (August 20, 2019) – In celebration of its 60th anniversary, Phoenix Art Museum will honor long-time Museum supporters Ellen and Howard Katz and present the premiere of Legends of Speed, its first exhibition exploring the artistry and design of race cars, at The pARTy in the Garden on November 2, 2019. The fall gala will also feature access to a 60th-anniversary exhibition, PhxArt60: The Past Decade, custom cocktails, fine dining, and dancing under the stars. The annual event plays an essential role in supporting the Museum’s exhibitions and arts education programs, and has raised nearly $10.5 million since its inaugural event in 2007. The official 60th anniversary of Phoenix Art Museum is November 18, 2019.

“Phoenix Art Museum opened its doors in 1959 to bring art from around the world to our city, engaging visitors of all ages, and today, almost 60 years later, the Museum continues to grow, innovate, and present extraordinary exhibitions to its diverse community due to the generosity and undaunted determination of countless advocates, supporters, and friends, like the Katz family,” said Jon Hulburd, chair of the Museum’s Board of Trustees. “We are grateful for their longtime generosity and volunteer service and look forward to honoring them for their support of Phoenix Art Museum for nearly two decades.”

Ellen and Howard Katz began their relationship with the Museum in 2001 as members of the Museum’s Circles of Support, the institution’s premier philanthropic group. In 2006, the Katz family endowed funds to support the construction of a new 25,000-square-foot wing for contemporary art, now known as the Ellen and Howard C. Katz Wing for Modern Art. From 2007–10, Ellen Katz served as chair of the Museum’s Board of Trustees, and in 2007 and 2011, respectively, she created and served as the inaugural committee chair for The pARTy gala and the Independent Woman Luncheon. Most recently, she served in 2018 on the steering committee for The pARTy in the Garden, which drew more than $1 million given in support of the Museum. Cumulatively, The pARTy and the Independent Woman Luncheon have raised nearly $13 million in gifts of support for exhibitions and education programs at Phoenix Art Museum.

The fall gala will also feature the premiere of Legends of Speed, the Museum’s first exhibition of race cars. With more than 20 cars by Maserati, Ferrari, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, and more, the exhibition showcases winners of 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Indianapolis 500, the Italian Grand Prix, and other iconic races, all loaned to the Museum by internationally recognized collectors and automotive museums. Phoenix Art Museum will be the sole venue for Legends of Speed, and gala guests will enjoy exclusive access to the once-in-a-lifetime exhibition before it opens to the public on November 3. Additionally, guests will have access to an exhibition commemorating the Museum’s 60th anniversary.

The pARTy in the Garden will feature custom cocktails by Arizona Distilling Co., Código 1530, and PHX BEER Co, a seated dinner by M Catering in Cummings Great Hall, and dessert and dancing in the Dorrance Sculpture Garden. Cocktail attire is requested, and complimentary valet parking will be provided. Individual tickets begin at $750, with additional benefactor table and underwriter opportunities available at $50,000, $25,000, and $10,000. For more information or to purchase tickets or sponsorships, contact the Museum’s Special Events Office at 602.307.2012 or specialevents@phxart.org.

The pARTy in the Garden will be followed by The afterpARTy from 9 pm – 1 am. Open to the general public, the late-night, art-and-cocktails experience will feature a hosted bar along with spirits and beer tastings, music, access to Legends of Speed from 9 – 11 pm and the 60^th-anniversary exhibition until 1 am, and complimentary hors d’oeuvres and light desserts. Admission to The afterpARTy is included in The pARTy in the Garden tickets. General admission tickets are $50 for Arizona Costume Institute and Friends of Contemporary Art Members, $60 for Museum Members, and $100 for the public. Creative cocktail attire is requested. Tickets are available at phxart.org.

All proceeds from The pARTy in the Garden and The afterpARTy support exhibitions and education programs at Phoenix Art Museum. For more information, contact the Museum’s Press Office at 602.257.2105 or margareebigler@phxart.org.

The pARTy in the Garden Co-chairs
Susan Emerson
Laurie Florkiewicz

The pARTy in the Garden Benefactors
(As of 08.20.2019)

LE MANS UNDERWRITERS
*Donald and ⁺Judith Opatrny
*⁺Sue and Bud Selig

INDY 500 BENEFACTORS
*Mr. and ⁺Mrs. Drew M. Brown
⁺Laurie and Budd Florkiewicz
*⁺Ellen and Howard C. Katz
*⁺Margot and Dennis Knight
⁺Vicki and Kent Logan
*⁺Kimberly and Steven S. Robson, and ⁺Pam and *Ray Slomski
Charles and *⁺Meredith von Arentschildt

TARGA FLORIO BENEFACTORS
⁺Ginger and *Don Brandt
The *Clemmensen Foundation
⁺Lee and *Mike Cohn
Shelley Cohn and Mollie C. Trivers
⁺Gloria and Philip Cowen
Mr. and ⁺Mrs. Michael DeBell, and Dr. and ⁺Mrs. Jack A. Friedland
⁺Cathy Dickey
Ellman Foundation
*Carter and ⁺Susan Emerson
*Mrs. Nancy Hanley Eriksson & Mr. Ronald J. Eriksson
⁺Joanie and Rick Fox
⁺Kathleen and *John Graham
⁺Billie Jo and Judd Herberger
*Jon and Carrie Hulburd
J.P.Morgan
⁺Judy and *Alan Koslo­ff
Richard and *⁺Sally Lehmann
*David and ⁺Dawn Lenhardt
*Polly and Jonathan Levine
Robert and ⁺Marina Moric
MRA Associates
Northern Trust Company
Dr. and *⁺Mrs. Hong-Kee Ong
*⁺Rose and Harry Papp
*⁺Ms. Ann Siner
Mr. and ⁺Mrs. Robert Smalley Jr.
*Trustee ⁺Steering Committee

About Phoenix Art Museum

Since 1959, Phoenix Art Museum has provided millions of guests with access to world-class art and experiences in an effort to ignite imaginations, create meaningful connections, and serve as a brave space for all people who wish to experience the transformative power of art. Located in Phoenix’s Central Corridor, the Museum is a vibrant destination for the visual arts and the largest art museum in the southwestern United States. Each year, more than 350,000 guests engage with critically acclaimed national and international exhibitions and the Museum’s collection of more than 19,000 works of American and Western American, Asian, European, Latin American, modern and contemporary art, and fashion design. The Museum also presents a comprehensive film program, live performances, and educational programs designed for visitors of all ages, along with vibrant photography exhibitions made possible through the Museum’s landmark partnership with the Center for Creative Photography, University of Arizona. To learn more about Phoenix Art Museum, visit phxart.org or call 602.257.1880.

About Legends of Speed

Legends of Speed is the first major exhibition presented at Phoenix Art Museum to explore the artistry and design of racing cars. On view from November 3, 2019 through March 15, 2020 and featuring more than 20 legendary cars by Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Alfa Romeo, Ford, Ferrari, and more, the landmark exhibition showcases an unprecedented collection of cars driven by some of the greatest drivers in the history of racing, including Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Dan Gurney, and Stirling Moss. Featured cars have won many of the world’s most iconic races, including 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Indianapolis 500, and the Italian Grand Prix, and were loaned to the Museum by internationally recognized collectors from Arizona and across the United States.

Legends of Speed is organized by Phoenix Art Museum. It is made possible through the generosity of Melani and Rob Walton, through The Rob and Melani Walton Foundation, and Susan and Carter Emerson, with additional support provided by the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Art Foundation, Laurie and Budd Florkiewicz, Jackson Family Foundation, Sonia and John Breslow, Nancy and Najeeb Kahn, and Del and Sharron Lewis.