Lately you’ve been hearing a lot about Tabriz, the Arkansas Arts Center’s largest fundraiser. Only held every other year, the Tabriz experience is one attendees talk about long after and long before, building crazy levels of anticipation. Needless to say, it’s definitely not one to miss
This event is two-fold: There’s the Bazaar of Tabriz on Thursday, March 12, and the Gala of Tabriz on Saturday, March 14. The black-tie gala is a lush and exotic event, there’s no secret about that. We were interested in learning more about the Bazaar, so we talked to Tabriz co-chair Sara Batcheller.
Here’s what we learned.
Soirée: What is the night like? What can guests expect at the Bazaar?
Sara Batcheller: Guests can expect a high-energy night filled with a fantastic atmosphere… It is going to be a lot of fun!
S: How does its atmosphere differ from the Gala’s?
SB: The atmosphere for Thursday night is casual and fun. It’s the type of event where you walk around and visit with tons of people while bidding on your smart phone and enjoying drinks and food all night. The Gala is a very formal, sit-down dinner event. They are both lovely; just different.
S: What treats and events are lined up for the night?
SB: For Thursday night, we will have someone playing the steel drums, a great auction, great food, wine and beer all night, and a DJ after party. There are auction items for everyone and a ton of great art to bid on. (Get a sneak peek at some of those items here.)
S: Why should the public get behind the Tabriz cause?
SB: Tabriz is a major fundraiser for the Arkansas Arts Center. Some of the money raised will go to purchase art for the art collection, but money raised will also go to support programming at the Arts Center (Children’s Theatre, Museum School for art classes, etc.). Many of the programs at the Arts Center do not pay for themselves without funding from another source. Tabriz is a source of funding for these very important programs.
Get your tickets to the Bazaar of Tabriz (or the Gala, if you’re so inclined) on the Tabriz website.
Oh yeah, did we mention hot dogs are a tradition at the Bazaar? Man, do we love Tabriz.