99X Return of Joy at the Springfield Art Museum

The annual 99x event at the Springfield Art Museum is one of the best parties in Springfield to attend. Here's the premise: Each year a piece of artwork or pieces of artwork that are in need of restoration or repair are chosen. The event is technically a fundraiser to raise funds to repair this piece or pieces or artwork in the museum's permanent collection. Whatever work is chosen is then used at the catalyst and theme for the event. Then, the museum taps several local artists and creatives to create tableaus or living art installations in the museum. These tableaus are interactive for the guests, who arrive dressed to fit the theme of the event, and then walk through, touch, play, and pose their way through instagram-ready scenes, accompanied by live music or DJ's and flush with beverages and catered food.

This is my 4th year as a tableau artist, and my 2nd year as the museum's event photographer responsible for capturing the magic of it. This year is the first year that the event is back after being paused for the pandemic, and this year's event was fittingly coined "Return of Joy." The artwork being restored with the funds raised from this party is John Grillo's 1960s abstract painting titled Moon Goloph. Artists and guests alike were tasked with creating and bringing to life this event by dressing and creating tableaus around all things yellow, mod, and 60s. 

For my tableau, I immediately thought of my grandma's mod 60's barbies I would play with in her basement when we visited. So, I decided to build 2 life-size "Mod Friends" Barbie boxes for people to pose in. As always, the event was so much fun. And here are some of my favorite shots from covering the event that night...

I have to say, it felt like we all really did return to joy at this event. It was a beautiful menagerie of connection, playfulness, and purpose. If you haven't been to a 99x event at the Springfield Art Museum, I can't recommend it more!

If you are looking for a photographer for your event, don't hesitate to reach out!
Call or text: 417-848-0932
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