Krewe gears up for 50th year with black tie dinner

This year is a special one for the Beaux Arts Krewe organization. The group is celebrating its 50th year.

While the Krewe’s major event, its annual ball complete with king, queen and court, won’t be until February, the group is beginning the celebration this month.

The special Black Tie Celebration Dinner will be Nov. 18 at the Country Club of Birmingham and focus on the long history of the group’s relationship with the Birmingham Museum of Art.

Many are aware of the Krewe’s annual ball and look forward to seeing which community members are participating year to year, said publicity chair for the Krewe Katherine DeBuys, but few are aware of the philanthropic aspect of the group.

Each year, the Krewe makes a donation to the Krewe Acquisition Fund, she said.

That fund is often left to accumulate to allow for major purchases at the museum, said curator of European art Robert Schindler.

In the last 50 years, 19 major works have been purchased using funds the group has donated.

“We at the museum are proud keepers of these artworks, which we preserve, study and display for the enrichment of Birmingham and the region,” Schindler said. “We are tremendously grateful for the Krewe’s commitment to bringing the world to Birmingham for our community to enjoy and learn.”

Annual Krewe Ball court members will be announced about the first of the year.

For more information about the Krewe, go to beauxartskrewe.com.