“The evening feels cinematic. On cue, lightning lights up the sky and rain bellows down. The show must go on, and it does seamlessly as if the storm is nothing more than background art.”
Storm clouds descend on the Parrish Art Museum‘s Midsummer Gala (aptly titled “A Night in the Clouds”) but the social set floats into the evening ready to party, rain or not.
More than 700 guests spill across the museum grounds – artists like Artists Sanford Biggers, Sheree Hovsepian, Gwen O’Neil, Enoc Perez, Ugo Rondinone, Will Ryman, Joan Semmel, and Nina Yankowitz mingle with collectors, curators trade and philanthropists. I also spot John Leguizamo (so great in “The Odyssey”), Michelle Hellman, Chris and Cristina Cuomo, Lisa Perry, Gabby Karan and Gianpaolo de Felice, designer Jonathan Simkhai and HH Sheikha Alia Al-Maktoum.
“The “Afterglow Dance Party” takes over the Lichtenstein Theater and DJ Jason Fioto quickly fills the dance floor.”
Executive Director Dr. Mónica Ramírez-Montagut recognizes this year’s honorees: philanthropist Ellen Katz and artists Enoc Perez, Joan Semmel, Hiroshi Sugimoto, and, in a moving tribute, the late artist Pat Steir. Dr. Ramírez-Montagut announces plans to honor Steir’s legacy with a major exhibition next summer. Fred Seegal, Chairman of the Parrish Board, recognize Katz’s extraordinary generosity, not only through philanthropy but also by lending artwork, underwriting exhibitions and opening her home to visitors.
The evening feels cinematic. On cue, lightning lights up the sky and rain bellows down. The show must go on, and it does seamlessly as if the storm is nothing more than background art. During the live auction, a paddle is raised by Christie’s Rachael White Young, springing the room’s generosity into action. Paddles rise in support of ACCESS PARRISH, which creates meaningful arts experiences for neurodivergent individuals and people living with physical and mental disabilities. Fundraising also bolsters year-round student initiatives, including the Student Art Exhibition, in its 74th year showcasing work by more than 1,000 local students and the ARTscope Teen Council internship program.Throughout dinner, dancers from Parsons Dance appear unexpectedly, blurring the line between audience and stage. Then the “Afterglow Dance Party” takes over the Lichtenstein Theater and DJ Jason Fioto quickly fills the dance floor. By the end of the evening, the gala will raise more than $1.7 million to support the Parrish’s exhibitions, education initiatives and programming. – ALEXANDER HANKIN
PHOTOGRAPHS BY BFA
