Art Conspiracy's Seed Event, Better Gnomes and Gardens, wasn't quite your average Tuscan garden party replete with sundried tomato risotto, red wine and truffles, but the garden dresses, suspenders and large hats were all still present. And who could resist a friendly round of croquet?
The garden party held at The Sons of Herman Hall was bursting at its pleated seams with the gnome puns, but there was quite a bit more. Better Gnomes was the start to an incredible event, and its sole purpose is to fund an amazing cause. Confused? The gnomes will all start to make sense.
Better Gnomes and Gardens is a seed event to raise money for Art Con's annual fundraiser, usually held in the fall. It was in essence a fundraiser to fund a fundraiser. But Art Con is a nonprofit organization run by volunteer staff, and 100% of the money raised goes to amazing charities and artistic causes.
This year's charity is Musical Angels, a nonprofit group that provides free music lessons to children in hospitals. Musical Angels was started by Dr. Gustavo Tolosa and teaches "the healing power of music." Piano, guitar and voice lessons are available to children 5 and up, and younger children can be involved in group music lessons.
But where do the gnomes sneak in?
This year's seed featured customized gnomes, pink flamingos and other garden kitsch. Over 30 artists donated their pieces to be auctioned off. Many well-known Dallas artists lent their talents by creating gnomes, which garnered high bids during Friday's auction.
Most of these one-of-a-kind gnomes went for over $100, with one going for $230. Other pieces included yarn artwork of yard flamingos, metal flamingo sculptures and a flamingo sculpture with a fungus shooting out of its back.
Art Conspiracy holds biannual events to support nonprofit artistic causes, and the group has raised $110,000 since its inception in 2005. Members describe themselves as street-level philanthropists who focus on bringing awareness to local art scenes and the people not commonly exposed to it. We'll share the details about ArtCon's major fundraiser in the fall when the date approaches.
