Moondance, the Heard Museum’s annual gala in Phoenix, raised more than $1.2 million to support the nonprofit museum which was founded in 1929.

Guests also viewed the Heard’s new Grand Gallery exhibition “Early Days: Indigenous Art from the McMichael.”

“Thanks to the generosity of individual and corporate sponsors, Moondance 2023 was one of the Heard Museum’s most successful fundraising events to date,” David M. Roche, Dickey Family Director and Heard Museum CEO, shared in a press release. “This support enables the Heard to educate and delight communities with the beauty and traditions of American Indian art.”

Moondance honored longtime Heard Museum partner Bank of America and Richard I. Chavez, jewelry and lapidary artist from the San Felipe Pueblo tribe in New Mexico. The gala featured a cocktail reception, a catered dinner and desserts, and dancing with live music performances.

Guests had the privilege of viewing “Early Days,” which is on view at the Heard Museum through January and is made possible at the Heard Museum by signature sponsor EPCOR and sponsor Lili Chester. Additional support is provided by donors to the Grand Gallery Exhibition Fund.

Guests also enjoyed live music performances from Mariachi Estrellas Musicales, Craig Bohlmer (Cherokee) on piano, Game Ayala (Yaqui) on guitar. An honoree video presentation by Steven Yazzie (Navajo/Laguna Pueblo/European) was shared.

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Mariachi Estrellas Musicales greeted guests at the entrance of the Heard Museum at the Moondance fundraiser.

(Photo provided by Heard Museum)