On October 22, artist Rashid Johnson received the 2022 amfAR Award of Excellence for Artistic Contributions to the Fight Against AIDS. The ceremony took place during the 23rd annual TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art black-tie gala in Dallas, which raised $9.4 million for amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research, and the Dallas Museum of Art. Presented by Saks, the momentous event of 535 guests was co-hosted by Cindy and Howard Rachofsky, and Lisa and John Runyon, held within The Rachofsky House.
“Over two decades ago, we never would have dreamed that TWO x TWO would become such a dynamic and meaningful event in our community,” said the Rachofskys, founders of TWO x TWO, the largest U.S. fundraiser for amfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art. The event has raised over $113 million since its foundation. This year’s gala was designed by Todd Fiscus, who created a glamorous and natural fantasy world within a 7,000-square-foot tent. Mirrors and vibrant disco influences were adorned in intricate floral designs, bleached wood, and brushed brass.
John Runyon, Lisa Runyon, Cindy Rachofsky, and Howard Rachofsky; photo by Kevin Tachman, courtesy of TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art.
Photo by Bruno Snap the Picture, courtesy of TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art.
Rashid Johnson; photo by Kevin Tachman, courtesy of TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art.
It was a night to remember with 132 works of art and luxury travel packages available in both live and silent auctions. Michael Macaulay, Senior Vice President and Senior International Specialist, Contemporary Art at Sotheby’s conducted the live auction, featuring works by leading artists such as Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, Kyle Dunn, Ulala Imai, Spencer Lewis, Rafa Macarrón, and Johnson.
A vegan multi-course dinner was served alongside Tequila Casa Dragones and Belvedere cocktails. Nile Rodgers and CHIC performed legendary favorites such as “Le Freak,” “We are Family,” and “Good Times.” Notable attendees and donors included celebrated designers Adam Lippes and LaQuan Smith, Retired NBA All-Star Dirk Nowitzki, Chef Thomas Keller, and Anna Colgin of Colgin Vineyards Napa Valley, who danced the night away beside VIPs and sponsors such as Marc Metrick, CEO of Saks, alongside wife Deborah Metrick, Dr. Anna Katherine Brodbeck, Hoffman Family Senior Curator of Contemporary Art, Dallas Museum of Art, Michael Simcoe, VP of Global Design for Cadillac, and Jerry and Gene Jones, Dallas Cowboys Owners and philanthropists.
Adam Lippes and LaQuan Smith; photo by Bruno Snap the Picture, courtesy of TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art.
Cameron Silver and Jenny Kirtland; photo by Bruno Snap the Picture, courtesy of TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art.
DJ Lucy Wrubel; photo by Bruno Snap the Picture, courtesy of TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art.
The after party, presented by Nancy Rogers and designed by Todd Fiscus, took place in the back garden of The Rachofsky House. Guests were enveloped into an effervescent pink wonderland of candy, playful lip motifs, and glimmering neon signs. Moët Hennessy Brandy Alexanders were sipped while guests danced to the rhythms of DJ Lucy Wrubel. The famous pepperoni pizzas by Chef Daniele Utidi made for the perfect nightcaps to a night uplifting the art community and committed to the fights against AIDS.
Photo by Bruno Snap the Picture, courtesy of TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art.
Nile Rodgers; photo by Kevin Tachman, courtesy of TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art.
