Slated for Saturday, November 17, Art League Houston will host its 2007 fundraiser, Grande Art Masque Ball, at the Hilton Post Oak honoring Texas Artist of the Year, Dixie Friend Gay and Texas Patron of the Year, Gus Kopriva. This ongoing tradition honors those whose work and patronage has had a significant impact on the contemporary visual arts in Texas. Dixie Friend Gay and Gus Kopriva have demonstrated distinctive achievements in visual art and have used their talents to widen the audience exposed to great art. The Grande Art Masque Ball is the primary source of income for Art League Houston in 2007 supporting operational needs such as staffing, artist honorariums, student programs and maintenance of the organization’s new facility.

Chairing this year’s black-tie masquerade are Past President, Billie Chasen, and current Board President, Mike Rudelson. Both have planned a mysterious and intriguing evening comprised of an Italian inspired 5-course menu prepared by chef Malik Riley along with dancing to the sounds of Houston’s leading dance band, Encore. At the center of the evening, guests will view a silent art auction featuring artworks from our honoree and other national, regional and local artists. And again this year, seven incredible international and domestic museum destination excursions will be raffled off to places like Venice, Amsterdam, San Miguel, New Orleans, Santa Fe and more.

The Grande Art Masque Ball Committee consists of a host of hard working volunteers including our 2007 Underwriter Committee: Susan Magnani Apple; Salli Babbitt; Linda Buikema; Billie Chasen; Julie Downey; Kat Gallagher; Oliver Goldesberry; Victoria and Marshal Lightman; Debbie McNulty; Gretchen Mazziotti; Mike Rudelson; Laurie and Bret Sanders, Tahamia Spain and Susie Streller. Leading the 2007 Silent Art Auction are Chairs, Beverly and Wayne Gilbert; with Raffle Chairs, Leanna Laster and Apama Mackey; Outreach Chairs, Salli Babbitt and Crystal Owens; Decoration Chairs, Christine Powell and Susie Streller, Invitation Chair, Gayle Walden and Reservation Chairs, Candice Goodwin and Sharon Weiss.

Tickets to the event are $175. Tables of 10 range from $2,500 to $25,000 and can be purchased now by calling Art League Houston at 713-523-9530.