Tabriz 2025 Raises $2.6 Million for the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

The Legacy Event Returns and Sets New Fundraising Record

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA), together with Tabriz 2025 co-chairs Mary Olive and John Stephens, announces that a total of $2.6 million – a new record for the legacy fundraiser event – was raised this year in support of the museum’s exhibitions, operations, and art acquisitions. The amount encompasses funds collected through event sponsorships, auction sales, and ticket sales for Tabriz Table on April 3 and Tabriz Gala on April 5. Both sold-out events were held at AMFA and themed after the museum’s blockbuster exhibition Rivera’s Paris, which explores artist Diego Rivera’s years spent living in Europe during the early twentieth century.

“It was an honor to serve as Tabriz 2025 co-chairs and reimagine this iconic event in the setting of such a stunning new building with world-class exhibitions,” remarks Mary Olive and John Stephens. “The success of Tabriz 2025 is a powerful testament to our belief shared with everyone in attendance that arts and culture are vital for a thriving community.”

At Tabriz Table, over 600 attendees enjoyed a fusion of French and Mexican cuisine and signature cocktails served at festive food carts throughout the museum. Commemorative takeaways included Cubist-style caricature drawings, handmade paper flowers, and art prints. The event was held in conjunction with an online silent auction that featured one-of-a-kind museum experiences and perks like a private studio art class in AMFA’s Windgate Art School, a walk-on part in an upcoming AMFA Children’s Theatre production, and a reserved parking space for one year.

At Tabriz Gala, over 400 guests experienced a cocktail hour, four-course seated dinner, and live auction led by world-renowned auctioneer Robbie Gordy. Special auction items included a four-night luxury getaway to St. Barth’s Hotel Le Toiny, two Centre Court tickets to the women’s tennis final at Wimbledon, and a lunch and consultation with Architectural Digest’s AD100 interior designer Mark D. Sikes in Los Angeles. Performances by the Grammy award-winning jazz band La Santa Cecelia, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and Ballet Arkansas accentuated the elegant affair in style.

“Tabriz 2025 was a true celebration of art and community that marks a pivotal moment in our institution’s history,” says Dr. Victoria Ramirez, AMFA’s Executive Director. “Thanks to Mary Olive and John Stephens, our dedicated co-chairs, and to the generous sponsors, guests, and supporters of Tabriz 2025, the museum can expand our arts programming and continue to give historically underserved communities a chance to be inspired by the visual arts and experience the magic of the performing arts.”

AMFA thanks presenting sponsors Laura and Cliff Brookshire; Dillard’s; Anne and Merritt Dyke; Terri and Chuck Erwin; Julie and Chris Keller; Lisenne Rockefeller and George Gleason; Stella Boyle Smith Trust, Catherine and Michael Mayton, Trustees; Stephens Inc.; Harriet and Warren Stephens; Katie and Miles Stephens; Mary Olive and John Stephens; and Olivia and Tom Walton for their generous donations of $100,000 in support of Tabriz 2025.

AMFA is also grateful for the support of innovator sponsors Kelly and Steuart Walton who donated $75,000 to Tabriz 2025.

Additional thanks to modernist sponsors Bank OZK + Winrock Automotive Group, Linda and Stan Hastings, Robyn and John Horn, Hussman Foundation + Dianne and Bobby Tucker, Metal Recycling Corporation + Middleton Heat & Air, Murphy USA + The Murphy Foundation, Lynn and George O’Connor, Jacqueline and Michael Retzer, Saracen Casino Resort, Simmons Bank, and Carol and Witt Stephens for their donations of $50,000 each.

Cubist sponsors Lauren and Beau Blair + Mary and David Ritchey, Virginia Stuart Cobb + Barbara Rogers Hoover, and the Starr Foundation donated $35,000. Provocateur sponsors Arkansas Children’s; Friends of the AMFA; Betsy and Stuart Rhodes; Rose Law Firm; and Elizabeth Scott, Morin Scott, and Catherine and Andrew Tew each donated $15,000. Patron hosts Barnaby Group, FoxDen Capital, Good Day Farm, Attorney General Tim Griffin, the Honorable and Mrs. J. French Hill in memory of Patsy and Jay Hill, Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects, Morgan and Isaac Smith + Colliers Arkansas, Laura Beth and Robby Vogel, and Wright Lindsey Jennings each donated $12,000.

With $3,000 donations, patron sponsors included Elizabeth Andreoli and Joseph Goellner, Arkansas Flag and Banner, Debi Barnes and David Hadidi, Leigh Ann and Andy Biernat, Stephanie and Daniels Bynum + Glass Erectors, Heather and Sam Carter, Centennial Bank, Ellon Cockrill and Felton Rhodes, Jamie and William Collins, Meghan and Andrew Collins, Monica and Gary Cooper + HoganTaylor, Cathy and Kevin Crass, Delaware North, Anne Marie and Joe Doramus, Laura and Mark Doramus, Nan Ellen and Jack M. East, E.E.P. – Tamara Baughn, Greg Thompson Fine Art, Linda and Rush Harding, HoganTaylor, Mimi and Jim Hugg, Mimi M. and Joseph B. Hurst Jr., Dr. Elizabeth and Stuart Irby, Sarah and Mike Marquez + Merrill Lynch, Virgil L. Miller Jr., Cindy and Chip Murphy, Nabholz, Ellen and Shep Russell, Lt. Governor Leslie Rutledge and Mr. Boyce Johnson, Rebecca and Gary Smith, Martha and Bob Snider, Joan and Noel Strauss, and Elizabeth and Van Tilbury.

In-kind support was provided by Little Rock Soirée, Moon Distributors Inc., and O’Connor Distributing.

Rivera’s Paris is supported in part by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation with additional support from the Robert Lehman Foundation.

This exhibition is organized by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.

About the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

Founded in 1937, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts is the largest cultural institution of its kind in the state, offering a unique blend of visual and performing arts experiences. AMFA is committed to featuring diverse media and artistic perspectives within its permanent collection as well as through rotating temporary exhibitions. AMFA’s international collection spans eight centuries, with strengths in works on paper and contemporary craft, and includes notable holdings by artists from Arkansas, the South, and across the United States and Europe.

With a vibrant mix of ideas, cultures, people, and places, AMFA extends this commitment to diversity through the innovative Windgate Art School, a dynamic children’s theatre and performing arts program, and community-focused educational programs for all ages. Located in Little Rock’s oldest urban green space, MacArthur Park, AMFA’s landmark building and grounds are designed by Studio Gang and SCAPE, in collaboration with Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects.