Pulaski Times

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA), in cooperation with Tabriz 2025 co-chairs Mary Olive and John Stephens, has announced that the latest fundraising event raised $2.6 million, marking a new record for the legacy fundraiser. The funds will support the museum's exhibitions, operations, and art acquisitions. This total includes proceeds from event sponsorships, auction sales, and ticket sales from two main events: Tabriz Table and Tabriz Gala, both held at AMFA.

Mary Olive and John Stephens noted the honor of reimagining Tabriz 2025 in AMFA's upgraded venue, stating, “The success of Tabriz 2025 is a powerful testament to our belief shared with everyone in attendance that arts and culture are vital for a thriving community.”

The Tabriz Table featured over 600 attendees who enjoyed a mix of French and Mexican cuisine with signature cocktails. The event coincided with an online auction offering museum experiences like a private studio art class at AMFA’s Windgate Art School. Meanwhile, Tabriz Gala saw over 400 guests participate in a cocktail hour, dinner, and live auction. Highlights included a luxury trip to St. Barth’s, Wimbledon tickets, and a lunch with designer Mark D. Sikes.

Dr. Victoria Ramirez, AMFA’s Executive Director, described Tabriz 2025 as “a true celebration of art and community that marks a pivotal moment in our institution’s history.” Dr. Ramirez emphasized that the success allows AMFA to expand its arts programming to underrepresented communities.

Principal sponsors for Tabriz 2025 included individuals and organizations such as Laura and Cliff Brookshire, Stephens Inc., and Olivia and Tom Walton. These sponsors contributed significant donations, ranging from $100,000 to $3,000, supporting the museum's objectives.

The event was backed by in-kind contributions from entities like Little Rock Soirée and Moon Distributors Inc. Support from the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation and the Robert Lehman Foundation aided the museum's ongoing exhibition, Rivera’s Paris, which explores artist Diego Rivera's time in Europe.

Since its founding in 1937, AMFA has developed into Arkansas’s largest cultural institution, offering diverse artistic experiences. Located within Little Rock’s historic MacArthur Park, the museum's facilities were designed by Studio Gang and SCAPE, with support from Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects.