If you've never been to the Springfield Art Museum's 99x Party, you are seriously missing you. This annual event is always a highlight of my year. 

About the event, from the Springfield Art Museum:
"99x is the Springfield Art Museum’s signature fundraising event, combining art, fashion, music, and spectacle into one unforgettable evening. Each year, the theme draws inspiration from a piece in the Museum’s 10,000-piece permanent collection—reimagining it through living art installations, bold creative design, and immersive experiences. All proceeds benefit the Museum’s exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach efforts."

This year's theme was inspired by George Tooker’s Un Ballo in Maschera and the bold spirit of the 1920s. It just so happens the the 1920's have been a muse of mine for a long time, and this year's 99x has been my favorite! Since the museum is closed for exciting renovations  and expansions, the event was held at The Shrine Mosque which perfectly suited the theme. A life band, bustling casino, and the flagship artist tableau's (of which I was honored to be asked to create one again - more on that in a bit) and fashion show, all combined to create an unforgettable night!

Here are some of my favorite photos I captured that night (full album available on Springfield Art Museum's Facebook Album):

Looking for event photography in or around Springfield, MO? Don't hesitate to reach out!
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Call or Text: 417-848-0932
Email: [email protected]

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
Email: [email protected]