This year, the Arkansas Arts Center celebrates 50 years of expanding the cultural tastes of visitors through exhibits, programs and events. Its signature fundraiser Tabriz celebrates its 50th birthday, as well, and event Chair Kaki Hockersmith is pulling out all the stops to recreate the Moroccan theme of what has become one of the “must-attend” events on Little Rock’s social calendar.
Tabriz began as the Beaux Arts Ball in the late 1950s. Chairs Jeane Hamilton and Jean Gordon worked with a small volunteer committee to raise funds and plan the event. Originally held at the Country Club of Little Rock, the ball moved to the newly opened Arts Center in 1953.
In 1971, the event now known as Tabriz – named after the Iranian city, which was a popular travel destination at the time – was born. “It’s the Grand Dame of art fundraisers,” notes Kaki, “because the Arts Center was the first organization in town to use an art auction as a fundraising tool.”
Over the years, the tradition of a volunteer-run event has remained in place, as has the general format of a casual Thursday night silent auction followed by a formal gala and live auction on Saturday night. Each Tabriz takes on its own personality, with different chairs, committees and themes.
“Tabriz has been the lifeblood of the Arts Center for 50 years,” says Todd Herman, executive director. “Not only has it been the funding source for many of the outstanding drawings in the collection, but this two-night event has been a catalyst for bringing people to the Arts Center and making them aware of our mission as an institution that promotes creativity.”
When it came time to plan the 50th anniversary event, it made perfect sense to ask Kaki. She’s been involved at the Arts Center and on its board for many years. Plus, her experience planning upscale events is unrivaled in this town. She’s supported by Chucki Bradbury, current president of the AAC board and former Tabriz chair, and a host of committee members, many of whom are new to the event.
“Both Kaki and Chucki are tireless supporters of the Arts Center and they make a formidable team,” says Todd. “Kaki has a very creative personality, as well as the connections to vendors that allow us to take over-the-top ideas and make them a reality,” says Todd. “She is also very adept at mobilizing people and getting amazing auction items — which are both extremely important for a successful Tabriz. Kaki has been working with Todd Bagwell, who is also a well-known event planner in Little Rock. They are both highly inventive and imaginative — and the end result will be spectacularly beautiful.”
An interior designer by trade, Kaki has stellar planning and organizational skills. During her “White House days” — she designed the Clinton White House and other presidential projects — she was constantly asked to assist with major events. As she points out, most of the work that goes into planning events is similar to the work that goes into building and creating a home. Every detail must be carefully planned and seamlessly integrated to create an overall unforgettable experience.
“I have the same attitude about events as I do about design,” she explains. “It’s not about a color or a theme. It’s about the experience. It’s about the way the room makes you feel, or a party makes you feel. From the moment you get an invitation, you set your expectations. Then, when you arrive at the event, that feeling, those expectations, continue. If it’s a good event, all the details will combine to make you feel as if you’ve had a special, cohesive experience without realizing why.”
To that end, Kaki and her creative team have been working overtime to plan the setting and décor for Tabriz 2013. While she wants to keep specific details under wraps, Kaki did disclose that the atrium will be transformed into a Moroccan marketplace, complete with tenting, architectural details, props and costumed dancers.
Again this year, there are three options for those wishing to participate in the fun and support Tabriz. Thursday night’s event is casual, with simple food and beverages and a silent auction. For the first time, most of the decorations will be in place for the Thursday night event, giving those guests a taste of what Saturday night’s formal evening will entail.
“Tickets to the event on Thursday, May 2, are really affordable,” notes Kaki. “For $50, you can have a wonderful evening, with something to eat, something to drink, impromptu entertainment and the silent auction, which is a lot smaller and will have more quality items this year.”
Other changes to the Thursday night event include a signature cocktail in addition to the usual beer and wine and Moroccan twists to the standard hot dog fare. Plus, guests will be able to bid on items via smart phones and staffed kiosks, thanks to the implementation of auction software called BidPal.
“Instead of having to continuously circulate the room to check on your bids, you can stay in one spot and check them on your cell phone,” explains Kaki. “We anticipate some fun bidding wars that way!”
On Saturday, May 4, all the mysteries shall be revealed at the formal dinner and auction. Guests will step through the doors of the Arts Center into a bustling Moroccan street bazaar, where they’ll enjoy exotic libations and Middle Eastern food during a cocktail reception and silent auction. An elegant dinner in a lantern-lit “courtyard” will follow in Wolfe Gallery.
Kaki is excited to announce that artist Dale Chihuly and wife Leslie will be special guests at the dinner. “He’s had an exhibit at the Arts Center before and likes Little Rock. Plus, he has a personal relationship with the Clintons — one of his pieces is on permanent display at the Clinton Presidential Center — so I just figured I’d ask if they’d like to come. I never dreamed they’d say yes, but they did. So we’re pleased to host them.”
After dinner, an auctioneer from Christie’s will lead the live auction, which includes exclusive experiences, as well as fine art. “One of my greatest passions is the arts,” says Kaki. “And I’m just thrilled to see the growing collaboration between the arts organizations here in town. One of my goals is to involve other arts organizations and museums in Tabriz, so we’ve put together auction items that feature insider, exclusive experiences.
“For example, the Museum of Discovery graciously donated an overnight birthday party, with tours of the exhibits and animal demonstrations,” she explains. “Historic Arkansas Museum is donating a tour of their vaults. We’re planning something with The Rep that will involve a tie-in with the Rothko play in September and the exhibit at the Arts Center. We’ve got an Argenta arts experience, a Hot Springs arts experience, and I’m really thrilled with this one: We’re offering a seated dinner for 24 on the stage of Robinson Center Music Hall, with entertainment by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra strings and with Mark Stodola, Philip Mann and the architects of the new Robinson Center serving as table hosts.”
After the live auction, gala attendees can wander back to the marketplace, where other guests will be arriving for the late-night Studio Party: A 50th Anniversary Ball. This year, Jump Street Band will provide the dance music until midnight.
Aside from the fact that it’s one of the hottest tickets in town, Tabriz plays a major role in enhancing the quality of life in Little Rock. “The revenue from Tabriz is extremely important to the ongoing success of the Arts Center,” says Todd. “The funds from Tabriz are used to support all aspects of the Arts Center, from expanding our art collection to supporting the programs in the Museum School and the Children’s Theatre, in addition to our educational and outreach programs.”
With all the time and attention Kaki and crew are focusing on every detail — from food and beverages to set and props and auction items — it’s sure to be an event fit for a sultan. Don’t miss the unveiling.
Moroccan Market Silent Auction
6 p.m., Thursday May 2 | Tickets: $50
Super Silent Auction, Gala Dinner & Live Auction
6 p.m., Saturday, May 4 | Tickets: $750, which includes a ticket to Studio Party – 50th Anniversary Ball as well as the Moroccan Market Silent Auction. Seating is limited to 290 guests.
Studio Party: A 50th Anniversary Ball
9 p.m., Saturday, May 4 | Tickets: $100