The Art Studio, Inc. (TASI) is set to host its annual fundraiser, “The Beaux Arts Ball” on January 21, 2023. The event, which will feature food, performances, and a silent auction, will take place inside the non-profit’s facility at 720 Franklin St. in Downtown Beaumont. This year TASI will be celebrating 40 years with a “Ruby Anniversary” soiree hosted by honorary chairperson, well-known media personality Jackie Simien.
What is The Art Studio, Inc.?
Founded in 1983, TASI provides low-cost studio rental spaces to visual artists, as well as classes, music
performances, and other cultural events to the public.
Event Co-Chair Grace Mathis said, “Incredibly The Art Studio is still going strong after 40 years. We are
so excited to celebrate surviving and continuing bringing art to the community.”
What to Wear? Well…
Mathis said, “Even though the dress code for this year’s Beaux Arts Ball is simply ‘formal,’ it wouldn’t be
out of the ordinary for guests to take liberties with the ‘Ruby’ theme.
The Beaux Arts Ball is a great occasion to bust out an avant-garde look or just dress in your finest attire.
All are welcome!”
Attendees who choose to wear outlandish outfits to the event will be invited to showcase their looks in a
“Grand Promenade” fashion show led by models wearing clothing styled by local designers. But standard
formal wear is also perfectly acceptable.
Historical Note:
The BAB is derived from an end of semester celebration of students of the French Ecole De Beaux
Arts, (said “boze are”) or School of the Beautiful Arts. Beaux Arts celebrants paraded through the
streets on floats of nude** students painted white, depicting great sculptures of the past.
** This will NOT be happening at the TASI event. The only dress requirement is that attendees
actually wear clothing.
Take a Bit of TASI Home
The event will also feature a sale of shirts, tote bags and other items designed by a select group of local
graphic artists, commemorating TASI’s 40th anniversary.
Executive Director and Founder Greg Busceme said, “We are proud to offer this one-of-a-kind
merchandise to TASI’s patrons. Our local artists are so talented, and they did a wonderful job creating
designs that represent this milestone for such a beloved organization.”
Designers for this project include Maurice Abelman, Tina Novelli, Kevin Clay and Cameron Uresti.
Artists and collectors have donated artwork for a silent auction from 7pm until 10pm during the event.
Artists include Ines Alvidres, Lynn Sweat, Adam Cook, Greg Landry, Barbara Allamon, David Silvernail,
Randy Edwards, Kailee Viator, Jack Comeaux, and more.
All funds raised at the Beaux Arts Ball will go toward maintaining the operating costs of the organization.
Busceme said, “TASI relies on grants, donations, and sponsorships to continue our operations. That’s
why we’re so grateful to all our wonderful patrons and supporters for allowing us to continue providing
exhibitions and workshops as well as helping us make improvements to our campus.”
Entertainment
DJ Sk8 and sinuendo will ensure a lively dance floor throughout the night. Magician Cory Neyland,
and drag queens Olivia Gardner, Ravenikka Knix, and Aurora Spindle are among the event’s scheduled
performers. Local theater troupe Ad Hoc Beaumont will offer a unique theatrical performance.
Mathis said, “There will be something for everyone at this event, and a few special surprises to as well.”
Advance ticket sales are $50 from The Art Studio, Inc. or online at brownpapertickets.com. Admission on
the night of the event will be $75 per person. Free admission to an afterparty at Madison’s on Dowlen is
included.
Food for the event is being provided by local cooks and favorite restaurants such as Elena’s, Tacos La
Bamba, Katherine & Co., and Amuny’s Liquor. A cash bar will also be available. The event is only open to
patrons 21 years of age or older.
A Celebration of Four Decades
Busceme said “Beaux Arts Ball is our way to say thank you to all our members and participants and
celebrate the near miracle that is The Art Studio. The love and support over these past 40 years is a
testament to the unwavering support and participation of our members, artists, volunteers, and donors.”
Special thanks to our sponsors:
◊ The Edaren Foundation ◊ H.E. & Kate Dishman Charitable Foundation ◊ Texas Commission on the Arts ◊ Regina Rogers ◊
◊ Texas Coffee Company ◊ John D. West, Attorney at Law ◊ Marilyn & Richard Hayes ◊ Pete Churton ◊ Marc McDonald RE/MAX One
◊ Painting With A Twist – Beaumont ◊ Southeast Texas Home Care ◊ Texas Punishment Crew ◊ DAR Studio ◊ Helmet Hair Salon ◊ MB Consulting and Coaching ◊
◊ Carrie Shea ◊ Sheri Callahan ◊ Michelle & Avril Falgout ◊ Meg & Jarrod Brown ◊ Sandy & Joseph Fertitta ◊ Carlo Busceme, Jr. ◊ Mary Carter ◊
◊ Del Papa Distributing ◊ Elena’s Mexican Restaurant ◊ Tacos La Bamba ◊ Katharine & Co. ◊ JW’s Patio ◊ TexJoy ◊ Amuny’s Liquor ◊ Miller’s Liquor ◊ Madison’s on Dowlen ◊ Williams Florist ◊ Indelible Art by Misti ◊ BAW Resale & Interiors ◊
Enjoy these photos of fun times from the TASI archives!
