In what could be considered a reference to Southeast Texas, the character Charles Zidler from 2001’s “Moulin Rouge,” greets his audience with, “Outside it may be raining, but in here it’s entertaining.” This line highlights the enthusiasm as The Studio revs up to host its annual Beaux Arts Ball fundraiser, Jan. 19, rain or shine, to support its art education programs, encourage membership and celebrate the year’s accomplishments of tenants and local artists.
The Belle Époque period is what most comes to mind when people think of the Moulin Rouge, made popular with Baz Luhrmann’s film and stellar cast — roughly a period from the 1870s to the end of World War I in 1918.
“We want to capture the fun and wonderment of that time period and scene,” Gina Garcia, event chairperson, said. “We thought it would be a great idea since there are so many artistic and performance elements we could have that would help celebrate The Studio with our patrons and with the local arts community.”
The annual ball is TASI’s largest fundraising event and is known for its eclectic atmosphere and one-of-a-kind presentation and performances — in other words, The Studio knows how to throw a fun party and support a good cause at the same time.
The night will feature live music, a variety of dance performances and dancing, a DJ with a special lightshow and a silent auction from artists around the area.
The spectacle with be emceed by local acting sensation Ramona Young and Studio tenant artist Andy Coughlan. They will conduct the night with entertaining aplomb as patrons go back in time to a fanciful and exciting time period of art, entertainment and culture.
Committee member Grace Mathis is planning decorations and suggests some points of inspiration for guests planning their costumes.
“The 2001 movie is great place to start to get inspiration for costumes and the art and culture of the time period,” Mathis said. “There are going to be burlesque and cabaret-style performances. It’s going to be fun and like nothing else around the area.
“If you have never been to a Beaux Arts Ball, you have to come. It’s so much fun and will transport you to a different place. There’s nothing to compare it to, and The Studio is a great community cause to support.”
Committee member Rebekah Herzberg said the goal is to create a fun and flashy experience for everyone who attends. She will be performing a burlesque act, and all the performers are rehearsing in preparation.
“We want the community to come out and see this,” Herzberg said. “This community has so many talented people, and this a great way to showcase their creativity and bring people together for a great cause.”
Committee member Yolanda Perez is volunteering with the decorating committee and said every year The Studio transforms from its working appearance to a completely different visual experience.
“The BAB always has some interactive experience as part of the event,” Perez said. “We are going to have characters of the time period performing throughout the evening, like can-can dancers, cabaret performers, green fairies representing the absinthe culture and many other surprises.
“The Studio has made great strides in the last year recovering from Harvey, but also in enhancing our class offerings and improvements for our tenants and their workspaces. A lot has been done in such a short period, and we want to celebrate and show that off to the community. We want everyone to see what we’ve accomplished, but also what we’re planning for the future. It’s a great time to dress up and have fun.”
In addition to all the activities, music and shows, the 18-and-over event will feature adult beverages, heavy hors d’oeuvres and sweets.
Tickets are $50 through Jan. 18 and are $60 at the door. Online purchases may be made by clicking on The Studio website at www.artstudio.org or on the event link on Facebook. Click the tickets link to purchase with a credit or debit card.
Tickets are also available 1-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays at The Studio, 720 Franklin St. in downtown Beaumont. Tickets will also be available Dec. 1 during the all-day Holiday Shop-O-Rama Extravaganza from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
For more information, call 838-5393, visit www.artstudio.org, or visit The Studio Facebook Events page.
Stephan Malick, ISSUE staff writer