Minneapolis Institute of Arts Opening Gala

Project: Minneapolis Institute of Arts Opening Gala
Designer: David Stark
Firm: Davis Stark Design and Production

My eye has been drawn in recent months to photos of rooms that use a simple palette of colors and materials in various shades of white, gray, and blue. Some rooms have a Gustavian or Swedish décor feel. Others are Old Hollywood. And others take on a more contemporary vibe. But the palette and materials remain the constant. I recently experienced the trend in a new form—a gala.

Insiders will note that New York–based David Stark has made his mark on a series of high-profile Twin Cities’s events of late—all thanks to our local sugar daddy, Target. I first experienced Stark’s out-of-the-box visions at the 2004 Children’s Cancer Research Fund Dawn of a Dream gala. My next encounter was the much talked about Walker Art Center grand opening. The result of Stark’s creativity was an event that felt more like a secret underground club than a black-tie dinner.

And then, at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, I received a sneak peak prior to the gala opening event, so the room was nearly empty when I stepped inside. It was magical. The space was awash in white. White linens, white painted chairs, and white dishes all positioned just so under an enormous white tent. I instantly fell in love with the creative use of thousands of laser-cut white paper flowers. The Matisse-meets-Calder effect was simple and dramatic. The single color accent in the room was the pale blue carpet.

As I stood there, I couldn’t stop thinking about what I’ve been seeing in home décor. White painted furniture, mirrored tables, cabinets, and frames. And simple, clear glass chandeliers. Beautiful fabrics and floor coverings in whites and/or blues. Plus touches of silver and white marble. Clean and simple. Modern and sophisticated. Fresh and new.

Creative inspiration comes from many places—magazines, museums, retail display windows, and fabulous galas. (I would have killed to have some of those long chains of flowers to drape in my house.)