Founded in 1985, Decorative Arts Trust (DAT) is the only organization in Memphis solely dedicated to decorative arts. Members aid the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art in acquiring objects for the museum’s permanent collection, as well as developing a community for people who love interior design, art history and architecture,” explained Dorothy McClure, Director of Development for The Brooks. “The group is, of itself, a rare, oneof-a-kind find. There are currently over 200 member households in the DAT. We’re grateful to have the support of this committed group to help us build our decorative arts collection.”

On September 17, the Decorative Arts Trust will be launching a new signature fundraising event. The main rotunda of The Brooks will be the site of “Perfect Pairings — an immersive experience where artistry meets ambiance.”

“Join fellow art lovers, philanthropists, and design enthusiasts for a memorable evening that celebrates beauty, creativity, and lasting impact,” said Paige Proctor, president of the Memphis chapter of Decorative Arts Trust. “Guests will be treated to stunning designer-styled tablescapes paired with gourmet, multi-course meals created by renowned local chefs. Each course will be thoughtfully paired with fine wines. With celebrated local chefs participating, each tablescape will be unique, and each chef will create their own choice menu.”

As one of the museum’s longest-standing support groups, the Decorative Arts Trust has played a vital role in shaping and enriching Memphis' decorative arts collection. This year’s Perfect Pairings event will continue that legacy, with proceeds directly funding the acquisition of a significant new work, set to be revealed during the evening.

Yes, as part of the evening’s festivities, there will be an exclusive announcement and an unveiling of the next important new decorative arts acquisition purchased for the permanent collection at The Brooks.

Dr. Rosamund Garrett, Chief Curator at The Brooks, detailed some of the objects previously purchased for the museum with funding from the DAT, saying, “Recent favorites made possible by the Decorative Arts Trust include a contemporary carpet by Faig Ahmed called Secret Garden (currently resting before our move Downtown), and an incredible limestone sculpture of Judas Iscariot by the Renaissance sculptor Nicolau Chanterene - that is the only known work by this artist in a public collection in North America.”

Dr. Garrett continued, “Caring for and developing Memphis' art collection as part of my job is a real honor and a privilege. With the largest world art collection in the tri-state area, it is important that the objects we add tell new and exciting stories. I lead a brilliant team of curators with impressive and varied expertise and as a team we look for opportunities to add to the impact of Memphis' art collection. We take carefully chosen options to our Executive Director, and, once approved, we then collectively present to the museum's Collection Committee. The Chair of that committee then presents our recommendation to the Board, who ratifies it. We are very grateful to our support groups, like Decorative Arts Trust, as well as the museum's membership groups who raise the funds to make these acquisitions possible.”

In addition to raising funds for The Brooks, some members of the DAT also gift the museum from their own personal collections. Beyond the joy and satisfaction of helping The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art build a legacy decorative arts collection, members benefit from other exciting opportunities and events.

Dr. Rosamund Garrett

Paige explained, “We have regular meetings, including a holiday party. Additionally, based on membership level, we offer the opportunity to tour very design-forward homes in Memphis that are rarely seen by the public. Also, we have developed a world-class program of lectures featuring artists, designers, architects and museum curators that are open to the public. And last, but not least, our group has traveled together. We have made day trips to tour period homes, and we’ve taken antiques buying trips to New York City.”
For more information about the Decorative Arts Trust and Perfect Pairings,
visit decorativeartstrust.com.
Emily Adams Keplinger is a Memphis-based freelance writer and editor.