Colors of Courage: 19th Annual Art for Advocacy

Art has long been part of Dallas philanthropy, moving between artists, galleries, collectors, and the causes they support. On September 12, that relationship takes center stage at the 19th annual Art for Advocacy, bringing together more than 60 artists and four galleries in support of Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center.

Presented by LABORA and hosted by Stephanie and John Roberts, this year’s event takes the theme Colors of Courage, with an evening of cocktails, dinner, and both silent and live art auctions at 8000 Ambassador Row. The silent auction alone will feature 80 works, while additional pieces have been selected for the live auction and the event’s Art Minis program.

Leading this year’s event are co-chairs Laura McCallan, Steve Noviello and Ashley Nowak, joined by curatorial chairs William Bardin and Alec DeJesus. The curatorial committee includes Michelle Green, Emily Gregoire, Emily Haney, Cathryn McClellan, Terri Provencal, GG Reid, Gail Sachson, Melody Stevens and Katherine Wagner.

Before the auction, a selection of donated works can be seen at NorthPark Center as part of the Colors of Courageexhibition, offering the public an advance look at work included in this year’s event. The exhibition reflects the scope of an auction built through contributions from artists and galleries across the region and beyond, with participating artists donating work whose sale proceeds benefit DCAC.

The scale of that contribution is considerable as last year’s Art for Advocacy raised $2.1 million, the event’s highest total to date. DCAC estimates that amount is equivalent to the cost of providing forensic interviews for 6,400 children or trauma-informed therapy for 1,600 children. Artwork alone generated more than $300,000 of the 2025 total.

The event comes as the organization reaches another milestone. Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center marks its 35th anniversary in 2026, having served more than 135,000 children and eligible family members since its founding in 1991. DCAC works across Dallas County to coordinate the investigation and prosecution of child-abuse cases while providing advocacy and clinical services for children and their families.

For Art for Advocacy, each work moves from the studio or gallery into a larger network of support, turning an object made to be seen and lived with into direct funding for children navigating circumstances no child should have to face. Art for Advocacy takes place Saturday, Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at 8000 Ambassador Row. Tables and additional information are available through Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center.

To register for and preview the auction here: https://aesbid.com/ART26/#page=1