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Acclaimed cuisine, an exclusive auction, and unforgettable art.
A First Look Dinner to preview the art available for auction at the exclusive TWO X TWO gala, and the Who’s Who afterparty hosted by Capital One and The Cultivist
It was the “end of an era,” said art collector Cindy Rachofsky.
Each fall for the last 25 years, a Dallas-set fundraiser has brought together art lovers, entrepreneurs and notable attendees for a celebration and auction at the famed Rachofsky House: home to an iconic art scene power couple, Cindy and Howard Rachofsky. The TWO X TWO gala has been one of the most exclusive events in the city, and the final gala, held in October, proved once again that Dallas is a vibrant community teeming with generous folks. Attendees were able to bid on over 100 contemporary artworks that were being auctioned, and each purchase benefited the Dallas Museum of Art and amfAR — a leading foundation for AIDS research. TWO X TWO has raised more than $120 million for these organizations, proving once more that everything — including the hearts and the penchant for art — is indeed bigger in Texas.
It was only right to tee up these festivities with another one-of-a-kind event, so before the swan song of TWO X TWO, Capital One collaborated with long term partner and global arts club, The Cultivist, to host a first-look dinner at that same gorgeous home.
Capital One cardholders who purchased tickets were granted first access to view over 100 contemporary artworks that would be auctioned off at the gala, and the evening culminated with a multi-course dinner prepared by renowned chef, Thomas Keller — a truly once-in-a-lifetime culinary and cultural experience.
The First Look Dinner began as the sun went down, the stars came up, and the picturesque Rachofsky House was backlit by the expansive, awe-inspiring Texas sky. To end an era on the highest note possible, the Rachofskys and their guests had the kind of unforgettable evening Capital One commonly curates for customers. Monica Weaver, Capital One’s Head of Branded Card Partnerships and Experiences, raved about the first look dinner experience and what it added to the event.
“Our goal is to open doors for our cardholders to access unforgettable and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, so hosting beautifully unique experiences like the TWO x TWO First Look Dinner and being a sponsor for this year’s legendary gala after party is a true honor for us,” she said. “It’s even more special when these events take place in The Rachofsky House and benefit two incredible organizations, like amfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art, that give so much to their communities.”
The Perfect Setting
Words like “treasure trove” are often used to describe the massive art collection Cindy and Howard have amassed, but their home is just as impressive. Nestled in its own leafy corner off Preston Road, the abstract, stark-white structure comes courtesy of legendary architect Richard Meier, whom Howard commissioned to design a home in his famous white style.
You would be forgiven for thinking the house is solely a museum — it looks like one, and for decades, generations of tourists and Dallas school kids have roamed its spacious halls on tours, peering through time thanks to the couple’s rotating art installations. The artwork flows onto the lawn, too, with pieces including the only private commission by groundbreaking installation artist Robert Irwin, a memorable sculpture of a boy with a drum by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, and a creation by influential Japanese sculptor Nobuo Sekine. Each piece is a distinctive representation of the tastemakers who call this house their home, and it’s easy to see why people flocked from far and wide for the gala for 25 years and why the first look dinner was sold out.
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A Piece of Michelin Magic
Thomas Keller was recently introduced to a whole new generation of food aficionados thanks to his appearance on the critically-lauded television series “The Bear.” Yet long before this culinary icon was teaching the fictional Carmen Berzatto how to prepare the perfect roast chicken, he was opening acclaimed restaurants like The French Laundry in Napa, Per Se in New York City, and Surf Club in Miami — each of which has at least one Michelin star (The French Laundry has three). Keller brought five decades of experience to the First Look Dinner. His classic French style was the perfect pairing for an evening of perusing art and giving back.
Contemporary Classics
When it comes to the gala, the main attraction was, ultimately, the art.
There’s a reason the Rachofskys are credited with building the Dallas art scene — in fact, there are hundreds of reasons. Their collection includes masterworks of contemporary art as well as pieces from a multitude of eras, including American Minimalism, post-war Europe and several periods of Italian art.
A kinetic energy coursed through the night when it was time for the live auction; it was a near-indescribable excitement that few are fortunate enough to enjoy.
“We’ve been so passionate about TWO x TWO for more than two decades,” Cindy Rachofsky said, “and our success is made possible with the help of our partners like Capital One. Their passion for meaningful, one-of-a-kind events that bring together like-minded people made them a perfect fit for our last year of TWO x TWO, allowing us to bring an exclusive First Look Dinner to properly celebrate the end of an era in style.”
Apply today for the Capital One Venture X card to gain access to exclusive events just like this.
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