Now for the good news. This Saturday’s “Walk for Literacy & Education Fair” will continue on despite rotten weather. It’s going to take place at Fair Park starting at 9. You’ve got that worried look on your face. Relax. There’s a backup plan! It’ll take place in the Coliseum.

Now for the dry activities scheduled throughout the day hosted by Charles Haley, Derrick “DJ” O’Hara Johnson, and Kelvin Edwards:

• 5K Walk
• Karaoke competition with $600 cash prize
• Storytelling
• American Diabetes Association will provide information on children’s and adults’ obesity
• Methodist Hospital will screen for prostate cancer, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar for men
• The Agricultural Extension will provide nutrition and food facts
• Carter Blood Mobile will be accepting blood donations
• Storytelling
• Presentation and book signing of Stoplight Phonics by author Nikisha Jackson, a multi-sensory early reading readiness kit which has been awarded the “2010 Mom’s Choice Gold Award”
• Housing and Urban Development and several mortgage companies will discuss home buying, avoiding foreclosures, and rental assistance
• Deborah Dennis, author of of The Road to Credit Repair, will be signing her book
• Saxophonist Jeff Aycock
• Mini-flea market with vendors selling arts and crafts

“Walk for Literacy” will  benefit the TOY (Teacher of the Year) Foundation, a non-profit organization that commends educators from the southern sector of the Dallas Independent School District; provides students with scholarships to Historically Black Colleges and Universities; and offers grant funding to select teachers to continue to inspire and improve their educational strategies.

But the beauty of flowers is not limited to the lush beddings of the Arboretum. Think the Dallas Museum of Art.

That’s right  — the DMA. It’s all a part of the Dallas Museum of Art League’s Faye C. Briggs Art in Bloom Floral Symposium and Luncheon on March 29 at the DMA.  With the theme “East Meets West,” Japanese designer Mami Ogata and Dallas’ own Howard Eckhart will provide presentations of floral design representative of Asian and western cultures.

With DMA Board of Trustee President John Eagle and his wife Jennifer serving as honorary chairs, Lunchen Chair Barbara Bigham says, “We are thrilled to have two designers who will bring such diverse backgrounds and talents to the event. Every aspect of the day offers an enticement for all tastes.”

In addition to the flora design demonstrations, other activities during the will include:

• A seated luncheon featuring a fashion presentation by upscale retailer Betty Reiter with Jan Strimple producing the show.
• New York’s Billy Pry of BBJ linens, discussing not only  table top trends but also providing linens for the luncheon pro bono.
• A specially-created boutique offering floral containers for purchase.
• Travel guru Jim Strong donating copies of his newest book, Craving for Travel: Celebrating Life’s Moments for luncheon favors.

“Barbara has done an excellent job of creating a fresh and exciting event that captures the entertaining and educational components of a successful event,” said DMA League President Marilyn Willems.

If you can’t make the Monday event, you might be interested in the two half-day workshop on March 24 at Magic Moments Parties and Events. Debbie Jordan is opening her Magic Moments for a morning workshop conducted by Howard, and Mami will present an afternoon workshop following a formal Japanese tea ceremony.

Happy Days’

Henry Winkler (pictured), who portrayed “Fonzie,” is the son of Jewish immigrants who left Nazi Germany in 1939 just before the Holocaust.  He earned a master’s degree from the Yale School of Drama and has been happily married since 1978.

So, what does the fictional character of the 50′s and the man who portrayed him have in common? Both have the ability and sincerity to influence others for their own betterment through life lessons. And that’s exactly what Henry did last Thursday when he came to town for the 10th annual Destiny Luncheon benefiting the St. Philip’s School & Community Center.

Known within the entertainment industry for being down to earth and having a genuine interest in others, Henry with Fredye Factor as his escort started of the day with a rise-and-shine appearance at St. Philip’s. (No problem for Henry since his Labradoodle and Great Dane usually are climbing all over him first thing in the morning back home in California) With parents lining the walls of the gym and uniformed munchkins (pictured) filling every seat in the bleachers, Henry had his work cut out for him. Within minutes of watching the interaction between St. Philip’s headmaster Terry Flowers and the youngsters, Henry looked right at home. You couldn’t help but wonder if Henry sorta wished he’d had a St. Philip’s in his life growing up.

One of the things that you learn from a St. Philip’s experience is the magic of Terry.

With a combination of Benjamin Franklin wisdom, Morgan Freeman cool and Dr. Huxtable charm, he shows respect for the students and expects it in return. With statements like, “If we were both alike, one of us would not be necessary,” he gets his message across that the students are there for more than adding and subtracting. Self-esteem and preparation for adulthood are just as important. St. Philip’s students have an air of confidence, not cockiness about them, that is rooted in their pride of achievement thanks to Terry, his staff, and the parents who are so involved with the school.

Then Henry spoke to the hundreds of students. While the parents may have remembered him from his leather-jack days as Fonzie, the kids recognized him from his series of children’s novels about Hank Zipzer: The World’s Most Amazing Under-Achiever and more recent television shows and movies.  It didn’t matter which character they recalled because Thursday they got to know Henry. Masterfully talking to the entire gym full of students and adults, he made them feel like an old friend admitting that life had not been a snap of the fingers for him.

• His parents had called him “dumb dog” because he didn’t seem all that bright in school.
• The only thing that he was good at in school was lunch.
• Test scores placed him the bottom percentile as a youngster.
• His father, who owned a lumber company, had been disappointed in his son for not taking over the family business which he had brought over from Germany. “You mean it didn’t have anything to do with the Nazis?” Henry asked his father.
• He discovered that he was dyslexic at the age of 31.

When he discovered he suffered from dyslexia, he admitted that at first he was very angry. It all made sense. Because of the condition he had been made to feel dumb and lack self confidence throughout his childhood and early adulthood. Then he realized that if it hadn’t been for the dyslexia, his life might have been entirely different.  He might have not gone into acting, gotten the role, met his wife, had his kids, etc.

But he also knew that no child needed to carry the burden of poor self-esteem. To carry on a campaign to counter this situation, he started his Hank the Zipzer series, became a major supporter of various children’s charities (United Friends of the Children, Children’s Action Network, Cerebral Palsy Telethon, Toys for Tots, the Special Olympics, and the Los Angeles Music Center’s Very Special Arts Festival for Children), and motivated youngsters and adults to communicate.

That last one is very important to Henry. As he told the graduating class of Austin College in 2002, “Thank you for listening to me. . . my parents never did.”

After he got a standing ovation from the students, it was picture time and he settled right in with the multitude of kids surrounding him (pictured).

Then it was on to Belo Mansion for The Destiny Award Luncheon, where once again he was on time, extremely at home with one and all, and championing the cause for children.

But the luncheon wasn’t just to see Fonzie/Henry, though. It was also to present awards to outstanding members of the community who have time and time again been role models and gone the extra mile for the community. This year’s Destiny Awards were presented to:

• Jewish Family Services – Organization
• Annette Simmons - Leadership
  
• AT&T – Corporation
• Linda Walker - Unsung Hero
  

In the crowd was Shannon Skokos (pictured), who had a pencil and tablet for conversing. Seems that between spring allergies and hollering for the Mavericks, she had lost her voice. . .  Barbara and Stan Levenson arrived looking ever fashionable and wonderful. Barbara looked especially relieved reporting that Stan’s recovery from cancer had been highly successful. Stan, with a twinkle in those bluer-than-blue eyes, smiled that Barbara had been doing all the heavy lifting at their agency during his recovery. . Ever gracious and articulate Pat Smith (pictured) handled emcee duties with ease despite wearing the highest of platform heels. To the delight of the crowd, she confided that she and husband Emmitt were expecting a baby in October. . . Laura “First Lady of Dallas” Leppert (pictured) admitted that she and husband Tom had to miss the Faith Hill concert in Fort Worth due to a prior commitment. That’s one problem Mayor T just can’t solve. How to be in two places at the same time. . . Liz Minyard-Lokey (pictured) kept getting pats on the back for chairing the flawless event. . . Alas, Annette Simmons was out of town and had to send a sub to accept her award.

And let’s not forget the sponsors, who made the event happen like:

Title Sponsor – Citi

Magna cum laude – Balfour Beatty

Dean’s list sponsors – AT&T, Liz and Tom Halsey, Liz Minyard-Lokey, and Southwest Securities

Honor roll sponsors – Bridge Lacrosse Dallas, Dr. and Mrs. Bob Kramer, Mayor and Mrs. Tom Leppert, and Mona and David Munson

A true scholar sponsors – Bank of America, Steve Becker, Center Operating Group, Claude Connelly, David Cowling/Amy Youngquist, DART, Mike Davis, Episcopal School of Dallas, Susan and Hollye Fiske, Jewish Family Services, The Hockaday School, Diana and Todd Maclin, Martineau Petroleum, Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger, Northern Trust Bank, Parish Episcopal School, Raymond Construction, Andrew Sinwell, Bonnie and Peter Smith, St. Mark’s School of Texas, St. Philip’s Foundation, Strong AV, and Weber Shandwick

Table sponsors — Fulbright & Jaworski LLP, Anne and Wes Goyer, Suki Jarzemsky, Schatzie and George Lee, Seabridge, Dan Stansbury Jr., T. Howard and Associate, Texas Instruments, and Weber Shandwick

Friends — The Adolphus, Chamberlain’s Steak and Chop House, Chocolate Secrets, Kelly and Norman Green, and Neiman Marcus

Among his many accolades were his receiving the 2003 Linz Award, and being named the SMU Cox School of Business Distinguished Alumni in 2008 and SMU’s Distinguished Alumnus in 2006.

Aside from these good deeds, he was also known for his great stories and his sense of humor. This past October he moderated a panel made up of Elaine Agather, Linda Custard, and Tincy Miller for the “Expanding Worlds Through Giving” luncheon to the delight of all.

Just before the start of last Thursday’s 8th Annual Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award Luncheon at the Belo Mansion—a presentation of Texas Woman’s University and the Bank of Texas–this year’s recipient of the award was shown an old photograph that brought back a flood of warm memories.

The framed, black-and-white picture showed Dykes honoree Kathleen Mason (pictured), now president and CEO of Tuesday Morning Corp., with her then-boss, Mildred Quattore, on a retail buying trip decades ago in Madrid, Spain. Mildred, who attended TWU when it was known as Texas Woman’s College, is Mason’s long-time business mentor.

In her talk accepting the award Mason acknowledged her debt to Mildred, whom she called an “early, unsung” retail pioneer. “When I was a new buyer on that trip to Madrid, little did I know that I would be able to honor her today,” Mason said of Mildred, who’s now in her 80s and was unable to attend the luncheon due to recent back surgery. “I know what an education did for me. And I know what a mentor meant for my life.”

The audience that warmly applauded Mason included several previous winners of the Dykes award, which is given to Dallas leaders with a life-long commitment to community improvement and to furthering the importance of education. Among them: Gretchen Minyard Williams and J.L. “Sonny” Williams (they received the award in 2005) and Caroline Rose Hunt (2009), who introduced Mason to the crowd of more than 400.

“Thirty-six years ago, a friend called and said, ‘Have you discovered this wonderful new store called Tuesday Morning? They have the most fantastic inventory of high-quality goods, and the prices are unbelievable!’ ” recalled Hunt (pictured, left, with Billie Leigh Rippy). “She knew I thought a bargain was a treasure, and I haven’t changed. When I learned about Kathleen Mason, I said, ‘Tuesday Morning has found a real treasure.’”

Also speaking Thursday were the award’s namesake Virginia Chandler Dykes, internationally known for her work in occupational therapy; Dr. Ann Stuart, TWU’s chancellor and president; and Norm Bagwell, CEO of the Bank of Texas, who pointed out that the bank has sponsored the award luncheon for four years. This year’s event was the first to have an honorary chair–Sis Carr, whose well-known penchant for the color yellow inspired the table centerpieces: yellow roses.

Bagwell was also a member of the luncheon advisory committee, as were attendees Joel Allison of Baylor Health Care System (pictured with his wife Diane) and real estate doyenne Ebby Halliday. Ebby’s attendance was noted with delight by Sonny Williams, who seems to be even busier these days since leaving Minyard’s food stores.

Besides serving on the board of the Dallas County Community College District, Williams owns a dance studio, an advertising/printing company and Highland Park Pharmacy, which he said is nearly 99 years old–the same age as Ebby, one of his regular customers there.

“She comes into the pharmacy Saturday afternoons and tells me she’ll have her ‘fix’: a grilled cheese sandwich and a root-beer float,” Williams (pictured with his wife Gretchen) said with a laugh. “We’ve also agreed to have a big party when we both [Ebby and the pharmacy] turn 100.”

In addition to the Dykes leadership award, Ph.D. candidates from each of TWU’s four colleges were honored Thursday as recipients of $2,500 scholarships. They are Kalyn Myers Briggs, College of Health Sciences (Occupational Therapy), sponsored by Edgemere & Senior Quality Lifestyles Corp.; Kimberley Bookout, MSN, RN, CPNP, CWON, College of Nursing, sponsored by CIGNA HealthCare of Texas; Illana Morgan, College of Arts and Sciences, sponsored by Sis Carr; and Marlene M. Montgomery, College of Professional Education, the Birdie Virginia Guy Goodman Award, sponsored by Tincy Miller.

Major underwriters of the luncheon were:

• Presenting Sponsor — Bank of Texas
• Scholarship Award Underwriters — Sis Carr, CIGNA HealthCare of Texas, Edgemere & Senior Quality Lifestyle Corp., and Geraldine “Tincy” Miller
• Diamond Sponsors — Tuesday Morning Inc.
• Platinum Table Sponsors — Haynes and Boone LLP, The Rosewood Corporation, and Jill & Rob Selati
• Gold Table Sponsors — Ruth Altshuler/Laurey, Peat Baylor Health Care System, Children’s Medical Center-Mary Stowe CNO, Virginia and Roland Dykes, Fulbright and Jaworski LLP, Ebby Halliday REALTORS, Hester Capital Management LLC, Minyard Founders Foundation, and  Geraldine “Tincy” Miller
• Silver Table Sponsors — Bank of America – Merrill Lynch. Sue and Christopher Bancroft, Beacon Looms Inc., Chancellor – Texas Woman’s University, CIGNA HealthCare of Texas, Ernst & Young, Executive Women’s Roundtable, Suzy Gekiere, HKS Architects, Karyl Innis/Valerie Freeman, International Women’s Forum, Medical Education Technologies Inc. (METI), Methodist Health System Foundation, The Methodist Hospital-Houston, Peacock Alley Inc., Planned Parenthood of North Texas Inc., Southwestern Medical Foundation/UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dr. Sally Shultz, OTR Texas Health Resources, Texas Instruments, Texas Woman’s University Foundation, Thompson & Knight Foundation, Amy Turner, TWU College of Nursing, TWU Former Students Association, TWU Institute for Women’s Health/College of Health Sciences, and Sharon Venable
• Gold Patrons — Radford & Patricia Crocker, Dr. Diana P. Cunningham, Joanne M. Fay, Gramercy Marketing Associates, Joni B., Leg Apparel, David G. Luther Jr., Nanci Mackenzie, Sarah Seddelmeyer, Pam Smitham, and Anne J. Stewart,
• Silver Patrons — Austin Industries Inc., Elaine Blaylock, Chet and Eunice Bonar, Barbara Bradfield, Wanda Brice, Mary M. Brinegar, Regina M. Campbell, Catherine Candler, Kay Clayton, Judy Cole, Harry and Helen Crumpacker, Lee Cullum, Claire Cunningham, Jerry and Meredith Dickenson, Evergreen Enterprises Inc., Phyllis Farragut, Brenda Floyd, John and Nita Ford, Katherine Freiberger, Dr. and Mrs. Ron F. Garvey, Marilyn A. Hailey, Vicki Heath, Brenda Hernandez, Linda R. Hughes M.D., Darren James, Dean B. Kadesky, Barbara Lerner, Anita N. Martinez, Retta Miller, Edna Elya Naxon, Richard Nicholas, Bill Palmertree, Bill Patterson, Delia Reyes, L. Nan Restine, Carol Roehrig, Dave Roman, Dee Ruckman, Bill and Sandy Sahliyeh, Dr. C. Jeannine Sandstrom, Miriam Sibley, Glenda Brock Simmons, Bonnie Strauss, Chris C. Turner, TWU College of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. and Mrs. Charles Van Duyne
• Special thanks to VGS Marketing Group, cebolla Fine Flowers, and Judy Moore Productions

Photo provided by Aardvark Communications

While many of the celebs in town for the All-Star game were supporting Dallas’ economy by exercising their credit cards at NorthPark, two of the beyond-well-known-names of the super universe were working with kids. LeBron James and Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter (pictured from the left) worked with 100 kids from the East Dallas Club of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dallas Saturday afternoon.

Yes, there were the mandatory media opps, but when it came to the mentoring part of the program, LeBron and JAY-Z met privately with the students.

“We are so thrilled that Sprite is giving students from the Dallas Elevators Powered by Coca-Cola program and BGC the opportunity to meet and interact with two of America’s most talented and celebrated individuals, JAY-Z and LeBron James,” said Charles English, president  of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dallas. “It is great to see that they care about the community and want to provide this special session to young people.”

The Dallas Elevators Powered by Coca-Cola is designed to provide real-life inspiration and role modeling in several key areas of personal development through structured learning and interaction with top leadership from different industries. Through the Heart of a Champion curriculum, students learn about integrity, honesty, perseverance, and other character-building traits that make a successful individual in the business world.

Photo provided by Aardvark Communications

Thanks to Sprite, they were also able to provide scholarships to Dallas Elevators participants like Adriana Cedillo (pictured with LeBron and JAY-Z) on behalf of the two super nice guys.

“Giving back to the community is part of everything that we do,” said Santiago Blanco, VP Sprite & Flavors for Coca-Cola North America. “It is fitting for Sprite to partner with creative and iconic individuals like JAY-Z and LeBron James, who inspire today’s youth to be original and innovative.”

New to Education is Freedom? According to the descripto, it’s

“dedicated to the development and delivery of programs that significantly reverse the disturbingly low rates of high school graduation among economically disadvantaged youth. Education is Freedom believes that every young person deserves the opportunity for a higher education.  We work in 16 Dallas ISD schools in assisting students on becoming college ready and gaining financial assistance to go to college.”

Why does the idea that they’ll also be hosting their “first ever trivia night” create a chuckle for a “Brainbusters and Brews” event? Oh, did we mention that 100% of the $5-trivia card sales goes to EIF programs and students? Our brain probably needs a little tune up.

Trust us. Having Bill and June talk to you first thing in the morning is better than three shots of espresso in your latte with a Red Bull chaser.

But they’re not going to be pitching folks for sponsorships or tickets. Rather they’re going to share “stories about achieving their dreams.” You see, the breakfast is just the first of three “Dream Achiever Breakfasts” held in connection with the year-long CISDR’s 25th anniversary celebration.

According to Jeff Morris, President/CEO of ALON USA and CISDR Endowment President, “The CISDR model is proven to be successful and makes the future much brighter for thousands of young people. ALON USA has committed to supporting CISDR’s yearlong 25^th birthday celebration and we look forward to seeing what the organization will accomplish in the future.”

Photo by Kristina Bowman

Even before invitations were sent out, the event was not only hitting an all-time record attendance (1,400), but was more or less sold out. Organizers even had to move the location due to the growing number who wanted to attend. The reason for this dramatic growth in attendance was the honoree — Rev. Phil Postell (pictured), head of Jesuit Preparatory School of Dallas. The Jesuits love their Fr. Postell. They should. He has served as president of Jesuit Dallas since 1992.

The day of the event even the weather cleared up, so it looked like any problems were non-existent. Then it happened — an 18-wheeler with hazardous waste toppled over on LBJ closing the highway down for three hours creating a traffic migraine for the entire area. And that was the lead-off topic as guests arrived for the event — “We got stuck in all the traffic in Far North Dallas caused by the chemical spill!” or “It took us two hours to get to the hotel!”

Photo by Kristina Bowman

But it only added to the talk at the reception. Then it was on to the dinner. Unlike past dinners with an invocation, Monsignor Henry Petter (pictured) of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton decided to provide a little musical intro first. He picked up his trusty harmonica and performed “When the Saints Come Marching In.” The reason for the musical selection was that Fr. Postell was graduated from and formerly president of New Orleans Jesuit. The table of priests wearing Mardi Gras beads really enjoyed it. Wonder who they were rooting for in the Super Bowl?

While Bishop Kevin Ferrell is always a crowd pleaser with his remarks, he knew that the crowd was there to hear from Fr. Postell, who spoke following a video presentation. One guest reported Fr. Postell:

“told a few stories about his nephew, who was at the dinner last night with his wife.  His nephew was named after Postell, so he is another Philip Postell.  He joked about his nephew calling the school, asking for Father Postell, and saying it was Philip Postell calling, confusing everyone.  He also joked about the reservations made at the hotel that night for Mr. and Mrs. Philip Postell.”

At the conclusion of Fr. Postell’s acceptance speech, it was announced that The Catholic Foundation was making a donation in Fr. Postell’s name to the Jesuit Refugee Service to a standing ovation.

Photo by Kristina Bowman

As if that wasn’t enough, the doors at the back of the Crystal Ballroom opened and in marched 15 Jesuit marching band members (pictured) with drums and brass playing the Jesuit fight song!

Chair couple Pat and Neil O’Brien (they received the award back in 1996) put on the festivities with the help of committee members Mr. and Mrs. Thom Schliem, Molly and Jake Schroepfer, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Smerge, Mr. and Mrs. Roger Staubach, Mr. and Mrs. Michael F. Terry, Joy and Tom Wunderlick, and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Young.

Underwriting was provided by the following: Mr. Walter E. Adams, Lynn and Win Bell, Mr. Robert Bertino/UBS Financial Services Inc., Karen and Mark Carney, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Codd Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Harry Crutcher III, The Duda Family Foundation, Dr. and Mrs. Donald J. Hanratty, Mr. and Mrs. Robin P. Hartmann, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph V. Hughes Jr., Mr. and Mrs. G. Charles Kobdish, Mr. and Mrs. Lee S. Maas, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Moen, Mr. and Mrs. William G. Moore Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Hicks Morgan, and Mr. and Mrs. Bob Neuhoff.

For its second spin around the art block, DAF has assembled an even bigger “Wow!” event this year. It launches with a Preview Gala tomorrow night that will allow the upper echelon of the must-be-seen community to get a first perusal of the “goods” — paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, and photographs assembled by more than 50 of the U.S. and Great Britain’s most prominent art dealers. Think of this sneak preview like Howard Carter on November 26, 1922.

With proceeds from the gala benefiting Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, the event will kick off the Dallas Art Fair (February 5-7) presented by Veuve Clicquot.

And there’s more than art observation! Along with the price of a ticket, guests will be able to attend the “art-centric” Symposium Series scheduled on Saturday and Sunday. And, no, it’s not going to be a replay of your college art history course. Instead, those crafty folks at DAF will have Finding Frida addressed by bringing

“together an international panel of experts to debate the authenticity of the Noyola collection of approximately 1,200 drawings, journals, letters, paintings and other items whose owners maintain they are handmade by Frida Kahlo, but which others have denounced as fakes. The panel also will present an overview of the methods and challenges of authenticating newly discovered art works.”

The panel will be moderated by Jason Edward Kaufman, art historian, critic and correspondent for The Art Newspaper, with participants including

• Carlos Noyola and Leticia Fernandez, co-owners of La Buhardilla Antiquarios in San Miguel de Allende and owners of the collection;
• Jed Paradies, advisor with the Noyola collection;
• Jennifer Thompson, Editorial Director;
• Kevin Lippert, Publisher of Princeton Architectural Press;
• Mary-Anne Martin who founded the Latin American Department at Sotheby’s before starting Mary-Anne Martin/Fine Art, New York;
• Dr. Salomon Grimberg, co-author of the Frida Kahlo catalog raisonné, Frida Kahlo, Das Gesamtwerk, and and one of the world’s leading experts on her work; and
• James Oles, professor of art history at Wellesley College who has conducted extensive research in the Kahlo archives at her Casa Azul in Mexico City.

Don’t you just love it when experts don’t agree and especially when it deals with something rather scandalous. Poor Frida!

Participating galleries that will be showcasing art during DAF include: Andrew Edlin Gallery, Anthony Meier Fine Arts, Artspace 111, Babcock Galleries, Barbara Davis Gallery, Barry Whistler Gallery, Bill Hodges Gallery, Birnam Wood Galleries, Carrie Secrist Gallery, Colton & Farb Gallery, Conduit Gallery, Crown Point Press, D’Amelio Terras, Dolby Chadwick Gallery, Dunn & Brown Contemporary, Forum Gallery of New York, Gallery Henoch, Gebert Contemporary, Hedge Gallery, Holly Johnson Gallery, Howard Scott Gallery, Inman Gallery, J Crist Gallery, James Kelly Contemporary, Jason McCoy Inc., Jenkins Johnson Gallery, Jerald Melberg Gallery, John Berggruen Gallery, Kathryn Markel Fine Arts, Kristy Stubbs Gallery, Lennon, Weinberg Inc., Lora Reynolds Gallery, Marty Walker Gallery, Mary Ryan Gallery, Nancy Hoffman Gallery, Newzones, Pace Prints, PanAmerican ArtProjects, Peter Fetterman Gallery, Richard Levy Gallery, Ruiz-Healy Art, Stuart Shave/Modern Art, Sundaram Tagore Gallery, Tai Gallery/ Textile Arts, Tandem Press, Tayloe Piggott Gallery, Texas Gallery, Timothy Taylor Gallery, Turner Carroll Gallery, Valley House Gallery & Sculpture Garden, Wade Wilson Art, William Campbell Contemporary Art, William Shearburn Gallery, William Siegal Gallery, and Zane Bennett Contemporary Art.

The host committee is chaired by Eve Reid and includes Beverly Blumenthal, Dr. Carole Brandt, Rebecca Bruder, Barbara Buzzell, Barbara Hunt Crow, John Dayton, Gabrielle dePapp, Jeanne Fagadau, Nash Flores, Matrice Ellis-Kirk, Bob Marshal, Nelda Cain Pickens, Kelli Questrom, Gail Sachson, Cindy Schwartz, Warren Weitman, Angus Wynne, and Sharon Young.

And, of course, you can’t forget the men behind the DAF — co-founders John Sughrue and Chris Byrne.