The Contemporary Art Museum held its biennial Dada Ball and Bash at the Koken Art Factory, Saturday, May 16, 2015. Billed as the anti-gala, “Dada is against the future. Dada is dead, Dada is idiotic, long live Dada!” Theo van Doesberg
Just to reinforce the revelry, Marcel Duchamp (1887-1968), served as the honorary chair or at least the inspiration. Dada allowed guests to reject reason, embrace art, prize nonsense, and make something happen.
CAM’s anti-gala featured stiltwalkers, performance artists, a gospel choir, a bearded lady, the Saint Boogie Brass Band, and Elsie Parker and The Poor People of Paris.If your senses still are not enlivened, the avant-garde repast should take you over the top. Dada-inspired cuisine by Michelin-starred Moto Restaurant included 3-D printed sushi, an edible cigar, carbonated grapes, an edible candle, and the celebrated miracle berry.
The infamous after-party to the Dada Ball, the Bash, has established its own reputation, highlighting an open bar, dancing, festivity, and outlandish fashion. Additionally, a rare performance by St. Louis’ legendary duo, Hawthorne Headhunters, followed by DJ Sinamin of Old School 95.5 and Hot 104.1, even would have elicited pride from Marcel Duchamp..
This one-of-a kind celebration of CAM and creativity did not lack for inspiration and surprise and enabled guests to make something happen, specifically benefiting the Contemporary Art Museum of St. Louis. It delivered on all counts, reflecting the spirit of Marcel Duchamp.
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- Michelle Bawden, Mont Levy, Susan and Rob Goldstein
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- Megan Kimball, Mallory Gnaegy
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- Trish Muyco-Tobin and Dave Tobin, Josh and Meredith Boggess
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- Greg and Pam Trapp
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- Brigid Gerstenecker, Gwyneth Williams, Brynn Davis
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- Mary Ann and Andy Srenco, board vice chair
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- Katherine Lazar, Debra Bass, Philip Slein, Margaret McDonald, Phyllis Langsdorf
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- “Siren”
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- Lisa Melandri, executive director, Jackie Yoon, Jim Kemp, Michael Slawin
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- Arnold Donald, Mary Ann Srenco
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- Sandy Lehrer, Bruce Shapiro and Liz Guthrie Shapiro
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- Michelle Bawden, Susan Goldstein
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- Katherine Lazar, Stephanie Oliver
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- Michael McMillan, Gilberto Pinela
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- Nancy and Ken Krazberg
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- Becky and Dave Nelson, Katie Davis, Reed Nelson, Jennifer and Greg Hewett
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- Kyle Sainato, Brad Clark
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- Alison and John Ferring
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- Cheresse Pentella, Denise Drake, Stephanie Oliver
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- Tammy Hartz, Dr. Amod Paranjpe
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- David and Cynthia Levin, Mont Levy
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- John Grizzell, Myra Rowan
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- Tiya Lim, Susan Sherman, Katie Trout
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- Susan Barrett, Cabanne Howard
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- Amy Rome, Ashley Holmes, Stephanie Riven
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- Jim Probstein, Chris Poehler
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- Paula Reed, Arnold Donald, Josephine Weil, Mary Ann Srenco
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- Tom Carnahan, Alyssa Duel, Davis Sherman
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- Loran Chick, Nanette Boileau
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- Debra Bass, Susan Sherman, James Afflixio, Gary Boyson
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- Devyani Hunt, MD, Susan Barrett, Dorte Probstein, Mitchell Hunt
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- Anjali Kamra, Elizabeth Tucker
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- Allen Barber, Cheresse Pentella from Neiman Marcus, one of the event sponsors
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- Steve McLemore, Samuel Jeffries, Sr.
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- Sheila Greenbaum, Dr. Gary Wasserman
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- Denise McCracken, institutional giving manager, Jessi Cerutti, registrar
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- Greg Smith
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- Stiltwalker
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- Stiltwalker
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- Stiltwalker
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- Stiltwalker
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- Elsie Parker and The Poor People of Paris get into the mood of Dada.
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- Room overview
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- Deep conversation or nonsense?
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- Bubble blowing
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- Not your father’s Wresting at the Chase?
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- DADA logo
