Last Saturday, the East Coast sun made a reappearance just in time for the Glass House’s annual Summer Party. The event fêted the 16th anniversary of Philip Johnson’s iconic structure and campus's designation as a historic site and museum, and allowed guests to explore the estate’s bucolic 49 acres, its 14 architectural structures, and its rich permanent collection of paintings and sculptures, which includes creative behemoths like Frank Stella, Julian Schnabel, and Cindy Sherman.
As guests arrived onsite, hors d’oeuvres courtesy of Elm were passed around, as DJ Alexandra Richards warmed up the scene with a mix of nostalgic and contemporary beats. Attendees, including Martha Stewart, KAWS, entrepreneur Nikki Glazer, architect Alexander Gorlin, influencer and magazine editor Igee Okafor, and writer George Wayne, browsed the open air Max Mara pop-up boutique, featuring its Spring/Summer 2023 collection, and a silent auction by Artsy, while sipping cocktails and rare cognacs from Hennessy Paradis. Over 100 works, from artists like Catherine Opie, Nan Goldin, Gillian Laub, and Sam McKinniss, were available for bidding. And Swiss watch house Victorinox created a scavenger hunt, An Architectural Journey, for guests to explore their 1884 Journey watches.
Activations by Company SBB // Stefanie Batten Bland gave rhythm to the afternoon. Dancers emerged from the wild grass, the forest below, and the Glass House itself for whimsical performances. Glass House Executive Director Gregory Sages, Deputy Director Scott Drevnig, and National Trust for Historic Preservation Senior Vice President Omar Eaton-Martínez took to the stage for remarks on the site’s living legacy and the Summer Party’s 2023 artist: Derrick Adams. The Brooklyn-based visual artist unveiled an exclusive sculpture, Cool Down Pop (RBG), 2023, for the benefit.
Speaking of icy summer delicacies, Max Mara’s gelato and sorbet cart was a hit, bringing lines of attendees young and old together for a sweet treat. In the shade of leafy canopies or under the radiant sun, guests settled in for an afternoon of picnicking, lounging, and art appreciation on the Glass House’s immaculate grounds.
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