Tuesday, April 16
6:30 pm to midnight
The Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn
AFTER-PARTY
from 9pm
More than 1,200 Brooklyn Artists Ball and After Party guests, dressed head to toe in Frida Kahlo-inspired attire streamed in throughout the night for the annual Brooklyn Artists Ball. Taking place during the run of the critically acclaimed exhibition Frida Kahlo: Appearances Can Be Deceiving, this year’s event drew inspiration from the life and work of the iconic Mexican artist.
The evening began with cocktails by Cuervo Tradicional, and an immersive crocheted performance by Brooklyn- based artist, Olek. A parade led by Puppet Kitchen’s very own Frida and Diego escorted guests into dinner, accompanied by a trio of female Mariachi singers.
The evening’s honorees were Nick Cave and Bank of America’s Rena M. De Sisto. Nick remarked on the joy of knowing his work was a part of the Brooklyn Museum’s collection, and gave a few shout outs to close friends: his dealer, Jack Shainman, who sat at a table nearby; and longtime partner and collaborator, Bob Faust. Rena’s remarks underscored Bank of America’s commitment to supporting the arts and their longtime relationship with the Museum.
A lively paddle raise led by Gabriela Palmieri followed, bringing in additional funds in support of the Museum’s free and low-cost education and community programs. Later, the after party kicked off with a DJ set by Riobamba. Hundreds of guests enjoyed Frida art-making stations with Beezer Printing and Lizbeth Ortiz, a unique crocheted backdrop by Olek, and musical performances by DJ Runna and the one and only Swizz Beatz. Swizz ended the night on a high note, getting the crowd going with a mix of old school favorites and giving a shout-out from the hot pink pyramid-shaped DJ booth: “Tonight we’re celebrating art, life, love, and community. Everybody in here has a chance to move the culture —- so make sure you have a membership to the Brooklyn Museum!”
Artists Ball Chairs included Regina Aldisert and Brooklyn Museum trustees Stephanie Ingrassia, Carla Shen, Colleen Tompkins, and Amanda Waldron. Barbara Vogelstein will serve as Honorary Chairman. Host Committee members include Sarah Arison, Jill Bernstein, Jennifer and Steven Eisenstadt, Alyssa Fanelli, Karen Kiehl and Jeanne Masel, Miyoung Lee and Neil Simpkins, Galerie Lelong & Co., Francis Xavier de Mallmann and Natasha de Mallmann, Alex Mondre, Sabrina Merriman Peterson,Tracey Riese, Jessical Sailer Van Lith, Olivia Song, Anne-Cecilie Speyer and Rob Speyer, Cate La Farge Summers and Phillip Summers, and Ellen Taubman.
