Buckle up for Beaux Arts, all. This high-concept costume party was initiated by the students of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts architecture school in France in the 19th century. The first ball asked for “creativity and imagination beyond the scope of tamed human minds,” and the debaucherous activity that resulted at the event opened doors for future generations to explore creative costuming, elaborate installations, and evocative themes celebrating design in all forms. Said E. Berry Wall of the ball, “It is a riot, a revival of paganism, known elsewhere only in Italy. It is also, in its way, a hymn to beauty, a living explosion of the senses and the emotions.” Intrigued yet?
Almost two hundred years later, the Beaux Arts Ball continues as a platform to fête architectural history and culture by many universities and design organizations. And it’s precisely where Salt Lake Design Week 2014 will skid to an end…in SLC’s first contemporary Beaux Arts Ball. The theme of the evening? MUSE. Attendees should consider their own, then make a costume of it. That which sparks your creativity–be you an architect, photographer, artist, or appreciator–should also be that which outfits your person. The photo above, from 1931’s Beaux Arts Architects Ball, saw more than a few buildings. But maybe you’re inspired by Starry Night. Or, perhaps, by the work of Jeff Coons. Or by your 33-year old Macaw, Leonard. Or Nelson Bubble Lamps. Or…ooo!…by the Hoover Dam! Whatever it is, channel it. And wear the shit out of it. Or, if the idea of costume does not amuse you, then simply come as you are and soak in the artistry and spirit of the evening.
Basically, Beaux Arts will leave the design community talking, and everyone else wishing they had been there. Some bright minds from AIA Utah’s Young Architects Forum, AIGA, and cityhomeCOLLECTIVE [that’s us] are working to design and execute this one-of-a-kind evening, which will be hosted in the historic and storied Ladies Literary Club. Guests can expect to find themselves immersed in an ethereal, evolving, and unexpected experience. All food and bevies [courtesy magicians from Urban Pioneer, Finca, and Bar X, among others] are complimentary with the purchase of a ticket. What’s more: you’ll get performances from The Bad Kids, aerialists, Bullets and Belles, and DJ Concise Kilgore [swoon] to name just a few. Installations of choreographed lighting and engaging architectural elements will serve as back-drop for all this madness. Do. Not. Miss. Let’s shut things down with a right proper and frisky salute, shall we?
Beaux Arts Ball | Saturday, Oct. 18th, 8:00pm to 11:00pm | Ladies Literary Club, 850 E South Temple
Click here to purchase tickets
