Partygoers in elaborate hats embraced artistic fantasy at the 38th-annual Mad Hatter’s Tea benefiting the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
The highly-anticipated annual event was held on April 24.
Chaired this year by the duo of Reagan Pace and Sheridan Reeder, with Anne Stodghill serving as Honorary Chair, the event was themed The Art of the Garden. Patrons were encouraged to draw from a diverse array of influences, all of which dazzled attendees at the champagne reception and fashion show.
Hat judges Capera Ryan, Hannah Fagadau Kaye, Eliot Whittall, Dr. Nicole R. Myers, John Sughrue, and Sharon Lee Clark eyed the fantastical creations to determine prize winners.
Esé Azénabor was honored as the featured designer and the renowned Jan Strimple produced the fashion show.
The delectable luncheon served up fanciful flower place-settings topped with moss-covered vases filled to the brim with fresh floral arrangements of colorful hydrangeas, roses, ivy, and more. After the fashion show, the judges gathered in Ginsburg Plaza for the announcement of the winners. Amidst the colorful spring flora and vivid parasols, the winners were selected as followed:
- The award in the Italian Masters (classical creations) category was presented by the judge Capera Ryan to Debbie Murray. Ryan is a respected curator and arts leader known for her work elevating both classic and contemporary artists.
- The award for the Impressionists (best group category) category was presented by Nicole Myers, to Katie Kennemer’s group, D&M Leasing. Nicole Myers is a leading curator with deep expertise in impressionistic and modern art.
- The award for the Surrealism (over-the-top creations) category, judged by Sharon Lee Clark, was presented to Elizabeth Smith. Sharon Lee Clark is an internationally published fine artist, designer and entrepreneur, and founder of Krane Home.
- Eliot Whittall presented the award for the Rococo (best use of live botanicals) category to Sarah Ring. Whittall is known worldwide for his refined eye in botanical-inspired design.
- The award in the Cubism (monochromatic geometry) category was presented by Hannah Fagadau Kaye to Allison Brodnax’s group. Fagadau Kaye is an esteemed curator for her work in modern art and geometric abstraction.
- The award in the Pop Art (brightly colored tribute to pop culture) category was presented by the judge John Sughrue to Erin Jett. Sughrue is a prominent figure in the Dallas arts community and a longtime supporter of contemporary pop-influenced artwork.
- Finally, the Inaugural Carole Ann Brown Best in Show award was given out by honorary judge Anne Stodghill to Prashe Shah, a celebrated designer who blends cultural storytelling, art and fashion.
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