Last night, Art Production Fund’s 13th annual gala brought summer camp to the heart of urban Manhattan, uniting the art world for an evening as ambitious—and exciting—as the public art projects the beloved organization is known for. Presented in partnership with Saks for the second year in a row, the outdoor-themed festivities took place inside (as this is the city after all), at the decked-out The Grill and The Pool of the legendary Seagram Building.
Camp APF’s A-list attendees took the theme seriously, putting their creative minds and fashion sense to the test, arriving dressed to the nines for a “Hiked Up High Ropes Course.” Adventure awaited them; an installation by the botanical artist Lutfi Janania hypnotized party-goers the moment they arrived with its visual feast of lush plants and exotic materials.
Lallier champagne and hors d’oeuvres were served, followed by a decadent, camp-themed dinner curated by the multi-talented event consultant, gallerist, and writer Sarah Hoover. Among the long list of stars gathered were artists Anna Wayant (an alum of CULTURED's 2023 Young Artists), Amy Phelan, and Derrick Adams, who were seated among curators, celebrities, and gallerists such as Isolde Brielmaier, Nicky Hilton Rothschild, and Nicola Vassell.
Guests were treated to performances by trumpet player Dave Guy and visual artist Brendan Fernandes, followed by a live auction. Supported by UOVO and led by Sara Friedlander, head of the New York Evening Sale at Christie’s, the auction included a painting by Pakistani artist Hiba Schahbaz, a sculpture by Kenny Scharf, and a trip donated by Palm Heights. Meanwhile, many guests welcomed the opportunity for a new piercing by designer Maria Tash, adding jewels to their already bedazzled outfits.
The event raised $760,000 in proceeds, all of which will support Art Production Fund’s innovative programming, which continues to reach new heights under the leadership of Executive Director Casey Fremont. Founded by Yvonne Force Villareal and Doreen Remen, the leading organization has blurred the boundaries between art and life for over two decades, making artists' dreams a reality while ensuring contemporary art is accessible for New Yorkers of all backgrounds.
When the partying was done, the art world’s finest parted with custom-printed gifts by Leatherology and Vista in their hands, exiting into the elevator to bring all things camp, art, and life into the chilly, big city night.
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