OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network announced today the first-ever behind-the-scenes primetime special “OWN: Presents: Inside WACO’s Wearable Art Gala” to premiere exclusively on OWN on Tuesday, June 11 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The star-studded annual event created by WACO (Where Art Can Occur) co-founders Tina Knowles Lawson and Richard Lawson is marking its third year by paying tribute to four honorees who have made significant impact on the world through their art, philanthropy, and entrepreneurial spirit, including creator Tyler Perry (“The Haves and the Have Nots”). The special is executive produced by Steve Jones through Brand Maverick entertainment company.
Honorees also include artist Betye Saar, entrepreneur and CEO of Sundial Brands, Richelieu Dennis, and philanthropist and CEO of the Horowitz Family Foundation, Felicia Horowitz.
The theme for the 2019 Gala is A Journey to the Pride Lands, based on the upcoming Walt Disney feature, “THE LION KING.” Emmy-winning actress and comedienne Tiffany Haddish will serve as the Gala’s master of ceremonies. TV personality and best-selling author Star Jones returns as the Gala’s celebrity auctioneer for the third year. Presenters include Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis and author Shaka Senghor.
Co-Artistic Directors Tina Knowles Lawson and Richard Lawson founded the event, which is presented by Shea Moisture, to celebrate art and raise funds for the non-profit gallery, mentorship and performance complex WACO Theater Center.
Fine art pieces will be auctioned to raise money for WACO’s mentorship programs, Tina’s Angels and Richard’s Warriors which consist of enrichment and leadership initiatives that empower inner city students. The silent and live auction is curated by Arthur Lewis and Hau Nguyen featuring the works of artists from three galleries – Fort Gansevoort in NYC, Koplin Del Rio in Seattle and Galerie Myrtis in Baltimore.
Logos, honoree photos and bios:
https://wacotheatercenter.com/waco-in-the-press/
About WACO Theater Center
WACO Theater Center is dedicated to the empowerment of artists within a diversified pool of LA communities. The founders’ mission is to create a space Where Art Can Occur. For more information on programs, classes and upcoming productions and events, visit www.WACOTheaterCenter.com and follow @WacoTheater on Instagram and Facebook, @waco_theater on Twitter.
Wearable Art Gala 2019 Board
La La Anthony, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Solange Knowles, Bianca Lawson, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams will serve as Honorary Chairpersons for the third annual Gala. Business and entertainment industry leaders serving on the Gala’s Host Committee include Kawanna Brown, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Cheryl Creuzot, Babe Evans, Melba Farquhar, Lela Rochon Fuqua, Steve Jones, Mai Lassiter, Holly Robinson-Peete, Robi Reed, Eula Smith and Jo-An Turman WACO’s Board of Directors include Glynn Turman, Ralph and Melba Farquhar, Angeliki G. Jack, John Wiseman and Steve Pamon.
About Brand Maverick
A group of independent thought leaders, storytellers, strategists and brand architects who understand how to identify and impact today’s consumer market and specialize in connecting to an ever-changing tech-savvy generation, who aren’t led by emotion, but driven by culture.
Production work includes two seasons of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network’s record breaking docu-series BLACK LOVE (2017-2018), a two-time NAACP Image Awards nominee and OWN’s critically-acclaimed Mother’s Day Special, Motherly Love. Corporate clients include L’Oreal, Coca-Cola, Colgate, Walgreens, Warner Bros.,Sony Pictures, VH1, FOX & more.
Brand Maverick’s signature event –Hollywood Confidential is a panel conversation series dedicated to identifying, inspiring and encouraging emerging and future actors, leaders and entrepreneurs. With over 2000 multicultural, millennials in attendance per each engagement the star-studded lineup has featured conversations with Angela Bassett, Snoop Dogg, Sterling K. Brown, Issa Rae,Tiffany Haddish and Regina King.
About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network
OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey’s heart and creative instincts inform the brand and the magnetism of the channel. OWN is a leading destination for a premium scripted and unscripted programming from today’s most innovative storytellers. OWN’s original scripted series include popular drama “Queen Sugar,” “Greenleaf,” “The Haves and the Have Nots,” “If Loving You is Wrong,” and upcoming drama series “David Makes Man,” from Academy Award winner Tarrell Alvin McCraney and family saga “Ambitions” from box office hit-maker Will Packer.
OWN’s Saturday night unscripted programming lineup includes “Iyanla: Fix My Life,” “Ready to Love,” “Love & Marriage: Huntsville,” “Black Love,” and “The Book of John Gray.” OWN connects with its audience wherever they are, inspiring conversation among a global community of like-minded viewers on social media and beyond. Launched on January 1, 2011, OWN is a joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery, Inc. The venture also includes award-winning digital platform Oprah.com. Access OWN anytime on WatchOWN.tv or across mobile devices and connected TVs.
