The 3rd Annual Wearable Art Gala will be aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network for the first time.
What We Know:
- The Art Gala was hosted by the WACO Foundation on June 1st at The Black Hangar at Santa Monica Airport. WACO stands for Where Art Can Occur and was founded by Tina Knowles-Lawson and her husband Richard Lawson and is located in North Hollywood. OWN collaborated with producer/content creator Steve Jones to create the special.
- The wearable art concept was inspired but the students in the mentorship program at WACO. The gala is a charitable costume event. The proceeds of the event go to funding WACO’s performance complex, gallery, and mentorship program. Money was raised through a silent art auction. Last year, they raised $1.2 million. The center is very important to Tina and Richard. According to Tina, “we’re grateful for what we do. As long as we can fund our program, that’s what we’re asking for.”
- The theme for the gala this year was “A Journey to the Pride Lands”. This was inspired by director Jon Favreau’s live action remake of The Lion King. Tina’s daughter, Beyonce, is cast as the voice of Gala. The Lion King is scheduled to premier July 19. After the 2018 theme of “From WACO to Wakanda”, they wanted to stick with an African theme. The guests at the event came dressed in wearable art that followed the theme.
- Beyonce, Solange, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams were co-chairs for the event. Tiffany Haddish was the master of ceremony. Actress Viola Davis was one of many award presenters. People like Tyler Perry, were recognized at the event for their contributions to the entertainment industry and world through their art.
This is Jones’ third collaboration with OWN.
