Get ready for a momentous occasion! After a decade-long break, The Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art gala returns in style at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino.
Prepare to be immersed in a sensory journey at the ‘5 Senses of Ohr’. This unique evening of art and creativity, set for Saturday, April 26, from 7- 10 PM, promises a dreamlike experience with vibrant costumes and jubilation.
“This is the 25th anniversary of the Beau Rivage,” David Houston shared. Houston is the museum’s executive director. “We can’t think of a better way to renew our partnership with the Beau Rivage than to bring back the gala to gather.”
The gala will be held in the grand Magnolia Ballroom at the Beau. Delicious food from Chef Kristan Wade will be served, and the Mississippi College Big Band—26 members to be exact—will provide musical entertainment.
“This our first time to work with Mississippi College—they’re an exceptional group,” Houston said.
A live auction will allow guests to bid on food, wine, travel, and other items. Several artists will be at the gala and performing live art demonstrations all evening long, and their pieces will be auctioned off at the end of the evening.
Throughout the evening, a program will recognize sponsors and provide updates on the museum and its 2025 completion.
The museum’s striking and unconventional design, created by renowned architect Frank Gehry, is a sight to behold. Although it was marred by Hurricane Katrina two decades ago, Gehry’s visionary plan is finally coming to fruition this year.
“Frank Gehry is the world’s greatest architect, and he is 96 years old,” Houston shared. This is a major milestone in the museum’s history.”
The museum is Frank Gehry’s only museum in the Southeast, and people travel from from all over the world to see the exceptional building.
David Houston underlines that the museum is more than just an art repository; it’s a beacon of community service for the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It offers diverse youth and adult programs and hosts fantastic, free public events featuring art, live music, and food.
“We have several partnerships, sponsors, and local volunteers who make this all possible,” Houston shared. “For example, Chevron is our neighbor and truly invests in our community. It is incredibly gratifying that they help us with events such as the gala and various programs and offerings throughout the year.”
The Ohr O’Keefe Museum isn’t just a building with art inside. It is a dynamic museum where exhibits are constantly changing, and there is always a new project or event to attend. The museum brings art to life and life to art, and the upcoming gala is no exception.
“The overall theme of the gala is creative and fun,” Houston said. “The dress code is a creative, formal dress—we want guests to come how they’re comfortable. Everyone is welcome.”
The Ohr O’Keefe Museum is a national treasure and an art and architectural destination for tourists. For Mississippi Gulf Coast locals, it is a community treasure and an incredible service. Celebrate its past, present, and future at the “5 Senses of Ohr: Gala at the Beau Rivage” on April 26. Tickets are available here.
