EVENT
Art on Fire
ART ON FIRE
Heating Up the Arts
D
J A N UA R Y 2 015
Chantal Drake and Margarita Sandino
Kimberly and Elliot Perry
RSVP
60
ixon Gallery & Gardens knows how to throw a party unlike any other. The difference? The heat, and not the humid Memphis weather either. In fact, the weather was perfect for this year’s annual Art on Fire, which took place outdoors on a cool, beautiful fall night on Dixon’s South Lawn. Before reaching the party destination, guests strolled downhill along a curvy pathway that led through luscious, overhanging trees while the sounds of heavy base of live music filtered through the woods. As the pathway drew closer to the event, white, overhead strings of lights came into view and the canopy of trees opened up displaying the hottest outdoor party in the city of Memphis. Lined along the entire right side of the lawn were dozens of booths with local Memphis restaurants offering guests everything from salads to entrees and S’mores to pizza. Whether craving delicious fine-dining foods from restaurants such as Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen and Sweet Grass or preferring more casual cuisine from Memphis Pizza Café and Jim ‘N Nicks BBQ Restaurant, there was no shortage of options to choose from to satisfy palates. Frost Bake Shop was there providing charming mini cupcakes, and, if an energy boost was needed after indulging in the plethora of tasty options, Java Cabana Coffeehouse was the perfect place for a hot cup of coffee with whipped cream on top. Some partygoers, however, got their energy fix from one of the outdoor bars, which readily offered beer, wine and liquor until the very end of the night. Safe to say, everyone’s appetites were thoroughly satisfied, whether it be with food, drink or both. Along with the food, the entertainment was equally as plentiful. On one side of the lawn was a stage roaring with sound that fused through the entire lawn and kept the party bumping. The sounds of the night included music that fit right in with the Memphis atmosphere. Grace Askew performed a mix of authentic blues and country and Bluff City Backsliders ended with the night with an upbeat, powerful fusion of funk and blues that was hard not to dance to. Towards the middle of the lawn stood a massive projection screen showing the critical football games of the night, which fanatics thoroughly appreciated. Competitive natures also carried over to the silent auction portion of the night’s activities, where guests began a heated bid battle for a variety of premium items. Those looking for a more laid back atmosphere could sit by the bonfire – a work of art in itself with flickering green flames. The art of the night, the literal art on fire, was a spectacular fire eating and spinning performance by Beyond Wings, an elite group of professionals that offer various acts such as aerial, bellydance, fire and LED performances. Art is portrayed in many forms, and it was definitely alive at this year’s Art on Fire.
Andrew Everett and Chelsea Norman
Larrie Rodriguez and Michael Ingalsbe
Story by Emily Anderson Photos by Daniel Frederick See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP Frances Berry and Tyler McClendon
Chad Braddock and A.J. Northrop
Darby Farmer and Kimberly Tayloe
Jean Jacques Calabrese, Conroy Kanter, Michael Varner and Allie Varner
Renee Wills and Carlyle White