The Magnificent Art Production Fund Gala Creates an Impact & Garners $850,000

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When you assign a task to New Yorkers passionate about art, fashion, and design, you can almost guarantee they’ll surpass expectations. This rings true every March at the Art Production Fund Gala, now celebrating its 14th iteration. The event consistently sees its philanthropic guests fully embrace and creatively interpret the chosen theme. The recent ‘Cruise’ themed gala was no exception, inspiring attendees to showcase their most nautical fashion choices, including Chanel’s lifesaver-inspired handbags, Area’s metallic shell accessories, and Schiaparelli’s ornate shell earrings, among the more understated acknowledgments of the theme.

The gala took place at the Seagram Building in Midtown, a venue known for its distinctive character, and saw a turnout of over 300 guests. The event plays a crucial role in supporting the Art Production Fund’s goal to bring to life large-scale public art projects, like the iconic Prada Marfa and Sanford Biggers’ Oracle at Rockefeller Center. The night was a significant success, with the art and fashion communities coming together to contribute over $850,000.

Upon entering, guests were greeted with a photogenic Saks x Art Production Fund step and repeat, emulating a sail, before moving upstairs to The Grill. There, they enjoyed Champagne Lallier and Piña Coladas in a leisurely, vacation-like atmosphere, highlighted by an oyster and Champagne setup specially designed by artist Laila Gohar for the gala.

Laila Gohar, Casey Fremont Crowe, Kathleen Lynch

Once again, APF Board member Sarah Hoover expertly curated the gala’s menu for this year, delighting attendees with a selection of favorites including shrimp cocktail, individual servings of smoked salmon, a highly addictive French onion dip, vegetable sticks, and the renowned lobster ravioli from Carbone. The feast concluded with indulgent alcoholic mudslide milkshakes.

The evening featured a captivating performance art piece by Shikeith, entitled “Visiting House,” which paid homage to the historic role of the Hudson River piers as a sanctuary for the queer community during the 1960s and 1970s. While guests enjoyed their meals and tested the fit of their custom-embroidered windbreakers, APF’s leadership team, Executive Director Casey Fremont and Director of Operations Kathleen Lynch, shared insights into the exciting projects the nonprofit has in store for the upcoming year.

Sara Friedlander, Christie’s Deputy Chairman of Post-War and Contemporary Art, led a spirited live auction with UOVO’s support. Highlights included a Maia Ruth Lee painting that sold for $30,000, a piece by Dominique Fung reaching $70,000, a portrait commission by Hiba Schahbaz auctioned for $30,000, and a Cruise-themed artwork by Joel Mesler that impressively fetched $120,000.

ART PRODUCTION FUND’S 2024 GALA, PRESENTED BY SAKS

The vibrant atmosphere was filled with guests enjoying the ambiance and exchanging thoughts on the ‘Overboard’ themed attire. Among those present were notable figures such as Olivia Wilde, Drew Barrymore, and Diana Agron, along with Huma Abedin, Diana Louise Bartlett, and Stacey Bendet. The event also saw the attendance of Vanessa Riding Bonami alongside Francesco Bonami, Isolde Brielmaier, Sophia Bush, Phoebe Tonkin, and Hannah Bronfman. Donna de Salvo, Sai De Silva, Nell Diamond, Jennifer Fisher, Ivy Getty, and Serena Goh mingled with the likes of Wes Gordon, Paul Arnhold, Cassandra Grey, and Charlotte Groeneveld. Participants also included Ashlyn Harris, Debbie Harry, Ubah Hassan, Stephanie Horton, Jill Kargman, Moana Luu, Eileen Kelly, and Princess Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz. Rachelle Macpherson, Lizzie Grover Rad, Dex Robinson, Indre Rockefeller, Cynthia Rowley, Jen Rubio, Priya Shukla, and Hannah Traore were in attendance as well, alongside Art Production Fund co-founders Yvonne Force Villareal and Doreen Remen. Artists such as Derrick Adams, Harold Ancart, Zoe Buckman, Brendan Fernandes, Derek Fordjour, Jenna Gribbon, Carrie Mae Weems, Joel Mesler, Anna Park, Mario Sorrenti, Cynthia Talmadge, Hank Willis Thomas, Mickalene Thomas, Alok Vaid-Menon, Leo Villareal, Anna Weyant, Chloe Wise, and Kennedy Yanko, among others, added to the illustrious gathering.