Benefit Gala 2024

A Hat Ball

The National Advisory Board of the University of Wyoming Art Museum invites you to dust off your boots and kick up your heels at A Hat Ball, our benefit Gala to be held May 18, 2024, at the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center, in Laramie, Wyoming.

Our 2024 Gala theme mirrors an iconic sculpture, Cowgirl Hat Ball, that introduces The New West, a major exhibition celebrating our place in the West, and the 50th anniversary of the UW Art Museum, featuring artworks from the permanent collection.

This fundraising event provides essential support for the museum’s programs, which serve Wyoming’s communities, teachers, faculty, students, and visitors. Over 50% of the UW Art Museum’s annual operating budget comes from private donations, including Gala proceeds. In addition to high-quality exhibitions and a growing collection, the museum’s education programs increase critical and independent thinking skills, promote collaboration, and contribute to student preparedness in our global society.

Installation view of "Cowgirl Hat Ball"

dust off your boots and kick up your heels!

Date: Saturday, May 18, 2024

Time: 6 P.M.

Location: Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center, Laramie, WY

Attire: Western Elegance - Black Tie with inspired Western elements from your place in the West

 

The celebratory evening will include:

6 pm: Social Hour, Hors d’oeuvres, and opportunities to bid on a robust selection of Silent Auction items, including art, local contributions, and exciting travel opportunities.

8 pm: A Three-Course Dinner, Program, and Live Auction of Art and Vacation Packages.

Following dinner: Dance the night away or mingle with friends in our exclusive cocktail lounge.

 

Terry Maker’s Cowgirl Hat Ball, composed of 500 straw hats, stands both as a celebration of Western culture and a challenge to gendered assumptions. Maker, a Texas-born artist based in Colorado, is known for her use of deconstructed and reconstructed materials, discarded objects, and a playful manipulation of scale. The Cowgirl Hat Ball is currently on display in the University of Wyoming Art Museum's rotunda as part of the The New West exhibition.

Borbay

Neon styled works by Borbay, "Girl with a Pearl Earring" and the Mint Bar marquee

Borbay, celebrated painter and location artist, will perform a live painting at the Gala. The live painting will feature the iconic neon sign from the Thunderbird Lodge in Laramie, WY. Following the performance, the painting will be available for bidding during the live auction.

EXPLORE BORBAY'S WORK

The Munsick Boys

The Munsick Boys Band performing live

The Munsick Boys Band will play in the Grand Ballroom. The Dayton-based Munsick family has performed their unique style of country music all over the world and was recently recognized for their contributions to Wyoming culture with a Governor's Arts Award.

MEET THE MUNSICK BOYS

Sing Hat Company

Christy Sing Robertson crafting cowboy hats

Sing Hat Company will be offering custom hats for purchase with a live auction item, proceeds benefiting UWAM. Started by founder/owner Christy Sing Robertson, SHC crafts heirloom-quality beaver felt hats and offers fine Guatemalan palm leaf hats. Schedule your fitting ahead of time here!

SHOP SING HAT COMPANY

Wyoming Whiskey

A wooden sign advertising Wyoming Whiskey in Kirby, Wyoming

Wyoming Whiskey will provide craft whiskey cocktails and tastings, giving guests an opportunity to experience a unique flavor that can only be found in the rugged landscapes of Wyoming.

SAMPLE WYOMING WHISKEY

2024 gala sponsors

A graphic displaying sponsorship levels for A Hat Ball

EL JEFE

  • Nick and Yulia Piazza
  • Albert & Sue Sommers
  • Arp & Hammond
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming
  • Division of Student Affairs
  • Groathouse Construction
  • Hathaway & Kunz LLp
  • Nicholas & Tangeman, LLC
  • Rocky Mountain Power
  • The Office of Academic Affairs
  • The Office of the President
  • UW Foundation
  • First Bank of Wyoming
  • Wyoming Community Foundation

RANCHER

  • By Western Hands
  • Wyoming Public Media

CATTLEMAN

  • WE Soda

ACADEMIC

  • American Heritage Center
  • College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources
  • College of Business
  • Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources
  • Honors College
  • The School of Energy Resources (SER)

NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD

  • Alyson Hagy
  • Anne Brande; Ludwig Photography & Handel Technology
  • Devon O’Connell
  • Gary & Susan Miller
  • WE Soda
  • Jay Schneiders
  • Levin Strategic Resources
  • Lisa McElwee
  • Melissa Lyons
  • Nicole Choi
  • Yancy Interiors + Home | Yellowstone Mediation