The Art Museum of Southeast Texas is turning 75, and art lovers and longtime supporters have plenty of reason to put on their garden-party best. AMSET will celebrate with “Heirloom Reverie,” the museum’s 2026 Anniversary Gala, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24. Inspired by the timeless elegance of a garden party, the evening promises an enchanting mix of art, history, philanthropy and plenty of social sparkle.
This year’s celebration shines a well-deserved spotlight on two important pieces of Southeast Texas’ cultural story – the enduring legacy of the Phelan Family and beloved local artists Amy and Albert Faggard. Their contributions have helped shape the artistic and cultural character of the Beaumont community, making them fitting honorees for AMSET’s 75th anniversary celebration.
And if the name “Heirloom Reverie” sounds dreamy, the evening is designed to live up to it.
Guests are encouraged to embrace the “garden chic” theme, making this one occasion where florals, flowing fabrics and a touch of garden-party extravagance are not only welcome, but encouraged. Think flowy florals, lavish linens and all the finery one might expect at an elegant evening tucked away in a secret garden.
Of course, no proper celebration would be complete without good food, good drinks and a little friendly competition.
Guests will enjoy a buffet catered by Bando’s, an open bar, live and silent auctions and a collection of special touches inspired by the gala’s heirloom garden-party theme.
But beneath all the beauty and revelry is a cause that has been cultivating creativity in Southeast Texas for three-quarters of a century.
Founded in 1950, AMSET welcomes more than 56,000 visitors annually, offering exhibitions, educational programs, family activities and opportunities for students and community members to connect through the visual arts. Perhaps most importantly, the museum remains a free and welcoming cultural resource for people of all ages and backgrounds.
The Anniversary Gala helps keep that tradition growing. Proceeds support AMSET’s exhibitions, educational initiatives, community engagement and day-to-day operations, ensuring the museum can continue bringing art and creative experiences to Southeast Texas.
Much of the evening’s magic is being orchestrated behind the scenes by Gala Committee members Albert Nolen, Jan Fulbright, Charlotte Mains, Lee Mann, Shelley Tortorice and Paige Windham, along with the AMSET staff.
“We are looking forward to a beautiful evening celebrating AMSET, honoring the Phelan family legacy, and recognizing two treasured local artists,” Executive Director Noël Merriam said. “We are especially grateful to our Gala Committee ... along with AMSET staff, who have worked diligently to bring this special evening to life.”
After 75 years, AMSET has accumulated plenty of its own heirlooms – works of art, cherished memories, generations of visitors and countless stories woven into the cultural fabric of Southeast Texas.
On Sept. 24, the community gets a chance to celebrate them all.
So, pull out the florals, embrace your inner garden-party sophisticate and prepare for an evening where art meets elegance, philanthropy meets fun and the past gets a very stylish toast to the future.
After all, 75 years only comes around once.
Individual tickets are $250 and can be purchased online at amset.org as well as sponsorship opportunities. Call (409) 832-3432 for more information.
Amt and Albert Faggard
Archival photo of Johanna and John Henry Phelan and their family