Candela Sets Dallas’ Social Scene Ablaze, Raising a Record-Breaking $1.7 Million for Dallas Contemporary

Nothing about Dallas Contemporary’s sold-out “Candela” gala was a slow burn. On the contrary, Candela set Dallas’ social scene ablaze on a recent fiery Saturday night in the Design District.

Meaning “flame,” Candela served as the inspiration for the celebration of the richness and diversity of Latin American artists and their lasting impact on contemporary culture. The events leading up to Candela indicated that we were in for something special, from the announcement luncheon to a dinner with Belmond that transformed the kunsthalle into a train car, to a night that dripped in Missoni’s iconic zigzag.

Candela Co-Chairs Catalina Gonzalez Jorba, Peter Augustus Owen, and Ramiro Garcia set out to create an evening that “reflected the boldness and the international perspective of Dallas Contemporary while championing the cultural richness and creative energy that surrounds us.” Thanks to the powerhouse trio responsible for the inspired vision, which was rooted in a mission even more than the aesthetic, Candela shattered previous fundraising records for Dallas Contemporary. Oh, and it was one hell of a fun night!

Ann and John McReynolds generously served as Presenting Sponsors of Candela, and Joyce Goss and Kenny Goss served as Honorary Chairs. As Dallas Contemporary’s 2026 Honored Artist, Candela celebrated acclaimed Colombian artist Iván Argote, whose recently opened exhibition, How to Move a Monument on a Tuesday Morning, is on display at the museum through January 31.

Igniting the Party

A turquoise 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air sat parked in front of Dallas Contemporary, serving as a visual time machine that transported guests to midcentury Havana. Live music ushered guests inside. Effervescent dancers from Delilah, who were wearing white satin and pearl gowns with sheer pink opera-length gloves, greeted partygoers. Inside, magnificent projections (flamingos! cars! dancers!) set the scene. After a turn at the step-and-repeat (it was a *see and be seen* kind of night, after all), Dallas’ coolest arts patrons happily imbibed a Campari cocktail and offered air kisses while starting to loosen their hips to the beats of DJ RomiQ. The flame of Candela was lit!

Let the record state that the ‘fits DID. NOT. DISAPPOINT. From matador-inspired men’s suiting (h/t Javier Burkle) to Porschla Kidd‘s striking yellow halter dress and red flowers adorning her hair, guests sartorially committed to the celebration of Latin American art and culture.

Electric shades of red, pink, and orange drenched the dining room, with intricate, elaborate, and magical florals by Concepto Studio’s Pablo Arellano (truly the most striking displays I’ve ever seen at a gala) and custom tablecloths that evoked the colorful streets of Cartagena. Elisabeth Landry of Silver Lining Events + Co. spearheaded the event design. Serving as a place card at every seat, a woven fan was inscribed with each guest’s name. (At Candela, things are bound to get a little hot! Case in point— there was also a shot of LALO Tequila at every seat!) Salsa dancers from Texas Ballet Theater performed before dinner by Art 2 Catering. The inspired menu from Cassandra Moses even included a Torta Negra that honored Argote’s Colombian roots and his visual language.

Make it Rain

Candela raised a record-breaking $1.7 million for Dallas Contemporary. How did they get there? In addition to the who’s who list of arts patrons counted on the host committee and as underwriters, the event featured compelling silent and live auctions from international galleries including Saenger, Regen Projects, Nordenhake, and Spinello Projects. Swiss auctioneer and art dealer Simon de Pury, a showman who travels with his gavel, conducted the live auction with great pomp and circumstance. The offerings included everything from a voyage aboard Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to a stay at a private home in Cartagena that was featured on the cover of Architectural Digest in Latin America. Fittingly, a work by Argote compelled Candela’s highest bid of the night.

“We are thrilled to have raised $1.7 million for Dallas Contemporary,” says John McBride, interim executive director of Dallas Contemporary. “Candela brought together so many people who care deeply about this museum and the artists we champion. Celebrating Iván Argote and opening his exhibition with this community made the night even more special. We’re incredibly grateful for the support, which allows us to continue bringing bold exhibitions and free programming to Dallas.”

Keep the Party Going

Following the electricity of the live auction, Academy Award-nominated singer-songwriter (and Fort Worth native!) Abraham Alexander took the stage for a captivating performance. The LALO Tequila-fueled guests moved to a sensational afterparty sponsored by Delilah, which included a live jazz set from the Delilah Dallas band. Outside, guests enjoyed visiting the cigar roller before calling it a night and hopping into their Alto (sadly, not a 1957 Chevy).

With Candela’s triumphant success, the spark of Dallas Contemporary grew into a roaring flame.

PC Seen: Jason Kidd, Santiago Jorba, Bela Cooley, Amanda Shufeldt Dillard, Brian Bolke and Faisal Halum, Scott and Kathleen Kirby, Jesus Navarro, Karla Martinez de Salas, Sue Gragg, Meghan Looney, Karla and Mark McKinley, Max and Ben Trowbridge, Janelle and Alden Pinnell, and Christine Beauchamp.