2010 GALA - DESIGNS IN BLACK & WHITE

The Conservancy’s inaugural Gala on November 6, 2010 was an experience in design, drama, edge, fearlessness, flow, surprise, imagination, culinary delight...and absolute fun! It not only reflected the classic beauty and elegance of the Greek structure and magnificence of the surrounding green space, but also the vast potential lying within Centennial Park and its signature building. Chairs Emme Baxter and Demetria Kalodimos provided guests with a most exciting event for The Conservancy’s major fundraiser.

Aerial artists descended from the Parthenon’s ceiling, hanging onto black and white fabric. Elevated above the audience, they performed aerial acrobatics with stunning presence, strength and flexibility, embodying beauty and danger. It was a breathtaking performance and a true showstopper for our guests. Continuing with the Gala’s hallmarks of performance art and movement, The Conservancy commissioned Emmy-award winner Brian Hull to debut a unique work of the history of the Parthenon and Centennial Park, beginning with the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition and culminating with the Nashville flood in May 2010. It was an evocative, inspiring and emotional end to The Conservancy’s first-ever Gala to raise funds in support of programming for the Parthenon and Centennial Park.