A Tradition of Legacy at The Speed Ball

By Speed Art Museum Photos By Matt Johnson 

The Speed Art Museum is committed to many forms of care: for the art entrusted to them, for the artists who help to see the world differently, and for the people who look to the Museum as a place of meaning, reflection, and connection. 

As the Speed moves forward, they are grounded in their mission of inviting everyone to celebrate art, forever. This mission is the driving force behind the Museum’s most significant fundraiser, the Speed Ball, which will be held on March 7, 2026. This fundraiser helps the Speed to bring world-class exhibitions, expand statewide arts in education initiatives, grow and conserve the permanent collection, and invite the entire community to experience the Speed. 

This year, under the steady leadership of the six 2026 Speed Ball Chairs, the focus of the Speed Ball has been to put these core values into practice. The Chairs are Mary Helen and John David (J.D.) Myles, Mandy and Tanner Watkins and Late Night Chairs, Brigitte Owens and Breana Owens Harris. Together this team has put their cumulative decades of Ball experience into action, ensuring that the legacy of the Speed that will live on. 

Ball Chairs Mary Helen and John David Myles have been involved with the Speed Ball for over 30 years. As dedicated stewards and ambassadors of the museum for decades, this couple brings a wealth of invaluable information and experience to the Speed Ball. Their exquisite taste and unparalleled wisdom are evident in every facet of the Ball, from decor, to food and invitations. 

Ball Chairs Mandy and Tanner Watkins hope to continue a legacy pattern that the Myles have modeled for them. With over 15 years of Ball attendance under their belts, the Watkins are eager to help move the Museum forward, with an emphasis on community support and partnerships. 

Late Night Chairs are a dynamic mother daughter team of Brigitte Owens and her daughter Breana Owens Harris. Late Night has been reignited under this ambitious and creative team, with the goal of exposing a wider audience to the Speed and creating a new cadre of art supporters.

The theme of this year’s Ball is “An Evening in the Garden”, based on a renowned painting in the Speed’s permanent collection that is the centerpiece of the Ball, Hubert Robert’s “A Hermit in a Garden.” This piece was generously donated by the Harriet Cox Collis family over 30 years ago; members of the Collis family will gather at the Ball from near and far to celebrate their legacy on this very special evening. The painting is a lush depiction of a garden scene evoking moments of spring renewal and growth. 

The Speed is honored to host this annual event to gather with its supporters, celebrate successes, and reflect together on the work ahead. The Speed is guided by a simple principle that a museum’s strength lies not only in what it holds, but how it serves. As a vital cultural hub of this community for the last 99 years, the Speed is ever focused on its legacy, or its “forever”. 

The Speed Ball will take place on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the Speed Art Museum. Cocktails start at 6 p.m. with a seated dinner in the galleries at 7:30 p.m. Late Night at the Speed with dancing and dessert begins at 9 p.m. 

DETAILS 

SPEED ART MUSEUM 

2035 South Third St. Louisville, KY 40208 502-634-2700 Speedmuseum.org 

SPEED BALL 

Saturday, March 7, 2026 Cocktails 6:00 p.m. Seated Dinner 7:30 p.m. Late Night at the Speed 9:00 p.m. White or Black Tie Valet Parking