The Birmingham Museum of Art is preparing to transport guests to the allure and elegance of Paris with its 69th Annual Museum Ball on May 2. This year’s theme, Étoile: A Parisian Affair, draws inspiration from the popular exhibition Monet to Matisse: French Moderns, 1850–1950, celebrating a century of French modern art. Co-chairs Katherine Blount, Ashley Miles and Elizabeth Miles have curated a glamorous black-tie evening designed to enchant and delight.
Guests will begin the night with an outdoor cocktail reception before enjoying a seated dinner surrounded by art in the galleries with a menu prepared by Kathy G & Company. The evening will conclude with dancing beneath the glow of Parisian lights. Limited tickets are still available on the Museum’s website.
Celebrating Community and the Arts
For the co-chairs, the Museum Ball is about more than a celebration of art—it is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community. The event is the Museum’s signature fundraising event, and proceeds directly support the Birmingham Museum of Art’s Learning & Engagement Department. This vital funding allows the Museum to serve students, educators and families through programs that promote art education, enhance access to the arts and create enriching experiences for K-12 students.
Reflecting on the importance of arts education, Ashley Miles shares: “I still remember sitting in art class as a child, completely captivated by the colors, the textures, the possibility of creating something entirely my own. That experience inspired a lifetime of creativity for me. The BMA helps make that same spark possible for students all over our city who may not otherwise have access to art programs. Beyond the Museum walls, it helps young people realize their full power and potential—and the Museum Ball provides the resources to make it happen.”
Katherine Blount emphasized the importance of supporting cultural institutions: “We are fortunate to have a world-class museum that brings exhibitions like Monet to Matisse to Birmingham for all to see. It’s important that we support these cultural treasures and make sure they are sustained for generations to come.”
Funding Critical Initiatives
Funds from the Ball help sustain programs that might otherwise be unavailable to many students and families, as arts education diminishes in schools. From school tours to hands-on workshops and student exhibitions, these initiatives inspire creativity, critical thinking and a love of art in Birmingham and beyond. The Museum Ball also ensures that the BMA can continue to welcome all visitors free of charge, removing barriers and encouraging lifelong engagement with the arts.
“Supporting the museum is an investment in our community, continuing free access and world class programs and exhibitions,” says Elizabeth Miles, “Having brought my children to the museum from a young age, I know firsthand how the ball proceeds provide lifelong learning and exposure to the arts.”
With a night full of art, music and dancing, the 69th Annual Museum Ball promises to be a celebration of culture, community and creativity—an evening where guests can revel in the magic of Paris while making a difference in Birmingham.
Tickets can be purchased on the museums website artsbma.org.
