Ballroom Marfa
In 2014, Ballroom Marfa Benefit hosted its Gala on November 10th, at the historic Prince George Ballroom in New York City. The Prince George Ballroom was a beautiful back drop to the southern inspired family-style seated dinner and introduction of Ballroom's new Executive Director, Susan Sutton. Before dinner guests enjoyed a dynamic silent auction and a special performance by Graham Reynolds and his 11-piece band. Event co-chairs included Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen, Douglas Friedman, Reed Krakoff, Rainer Judd, Trey Laird and Allison Sarofim who made the event a vibrant evening for all guests.
On April 8, 2013, Ballroom Marfa returned to New York for From the Desert to the City: Ballroom Marfa Celebrates 10 Years, commemorating ten years as a leading non-profit cultural arts organization in Texas and beyond. Center548 was transformed into the landscape of a West Texas desert for an exciting evening featuring a cocktail reception, artist and music performances, seated dinner, a live and silent auction with Ballroom's past and future artists and an after-party featuring a special musical performance by YACHT. The live auction, led by Jamie Niven of Sotheby's, included works by Leo Villareal, Rashid Johnson, Teresita Fernandez, Erik Parker, and Teresa Hubbard/Alexander Birchler.
In 2012, MF Productions worked with Ballroom Marfa again on "A Trip to the Moon: A Weekend of Aliens and Astronaunts," their benefit taking place over Memorial Day weekend in Marfa, Texas. The extraordinary weekend of events will celebrate and recognize nine years of presenting the work of diverse, relevant culture by both emerging and recognized artists working in all media. The centerpiece of the benefit weekend is a dinner featuring chef Leif Hedendal curated by Jens Hoffman with limited edition artworks and artist performances throughout the evening, all set in the spectacular landscape of a West Texas ranch. The weekend will also include a very special music performance by Cansei de Ser Sexy and several privately hosted events.
MF Productions produced Texas-based Ballroom Marfa's first benefit in New York City in April 2011 at Center 548. The evening began with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by a seated dinner and live auction with auctioneer Alexander Gilkes. The event ended with an after-party featuring live music by Miike Snow and DJ JD Samson. Designers FIFTY by US created a Marfa themed environment with recycled materials. Proceeds from the evening's activities went to supporting Ballroom Marfa's programming in the visual arts, film, and music.