LIFE
words by ALICIA UNDERLEE NELSON
photography by DENNIS KRULL, 5 FOOT 20 DESIGN LOUNGE
a blast fr o m th e past: the plains art museum GALA DAZZLES The sleek, silver DeLorean attracted passersby like a magnet. Grown adults grinned like children and mugged for photos in their formalwear. Couples slung their arms around their date’s shoulders and groups of friends struck a pose, as drivers did a double take and craned their necks for a better view. The vehicle, made famous by the “Back to the Future” film franchise, was just one of the many surprises at the Plains Art Museum Spring Gala, one of the biggest and most-anticipated parties of the season. The annual event, which took place this year on May 3, is the museum’s largest fundraiser of the year. The money raised on this playfully raucous night is a vital part of the Plains Art Museum’s ongoing mission to offer free admission to all. And while the artists, philanthropists, art collectors, event sponsors and theme party enthusiasts who fill all three levels of the museum certainly have this noble mission in mind, the event’s high energy art auction, wine tasting from Happy Harry’s Bottle Shops, tempting hors d’oeuvres and desserts from Catering by Concordia, Chef’s Table Catering, Urban
Foods Catering and Nichole’s Fine Pastry and Café, live music and electric atmosphere offer their own rewards. So too, does the promise of an excellent theme party. While modern cocktail attire is always welcome at the Plains Art Museum Spring Gala, most regular attendees are inspired in some way by each year’s theme. Fargo resident Emily Brooks, dressed in a sparkling black gown and eye-catching hat, was one of them. “When I found out the theme for this year’s gala was ‘Time Machine,’ I instantly thought of ‘The Great Gatsby,’” says Brooks. “I collect hats and fascinators, so of course I wanted my outfit to include one.” Jodi Borgen was inspired by the 1920s as well. She flew back from Colorado to don a sequined flapper dress and join her friends for what’s now become a spring tradition.