Art21’s 2024 Spring Gala was one of our most memorable evenings yet. Over 275 friends, artists, filmmakers, and supporters joined us to celebrate the importance of contemporary art and the artists who enrich our lives and our world. 

Art21 honored three remarkable artists whose talents inspire and ignite our imaginations: Hiroshi Sugimoto, Amy Sherald, and David Howe. Each of our honorees are paradigms of creativity who remind us of the transformative power of art. We offer our heartfelt appreciation for sharing their visions and perspectives with us.

Artists in attendance included Esteban Cabeza de Baca, Jordan Casteel, Drake Carr, Abigail Deville, Lubaina Himid, David Howe, Joiri Minaya, Tau Lewis, Jes Fan, Josh Kline, Shaun Leonardo, Hugh Hayden, Rafael Lozano Hemmer, Heidi Howard, Josiah McElheny, Adam Milner, Azikiwe Mohammed, Diane Severin Nguyen, Aliza Nisenbaum, Kambui Olujimi, Virginia Overton, Naudline Pierre, Rachel Rossin, Shahzia Sikander, Amy Sherald, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Jaimie Warren, and Marela Zacarías. Filmmakers and media guests included Phong Bui, Bryan Chang, Tucker Gates, Maori Holmes, Cesar Martinez, Stanley Nelson, Marcia Smith, Rafael Salazar Moreno, Sharon Stone, Frida Torresblanco, Christine Turner, Brooke Wall, Ava Wiland, and Chi-hui Yang. Arts patrons and collectors included Jessica and Natan Bibliowicz, Becky Carter, Corina Larkin and Nigel Dawn, Eleanore and Domenico DeSole, Dawn Fleischner, Bill and Christy Gautreaux, Nora Halpern, Susan Harris, Deborah Beckmann Kotzubei, Kerri Miller, Will Palley, Carolyn Ramo, Stephanie Robinson, Hedy Fischer and Randy Shull, Evan Mirapaul and Sybil Streeter, and Claire Stull.

The event’s auction was a thrilling triumph with Sara Friedlander at the helm. Bidders who won will be treated to one-of-a-kind art experiences with either Drake Carr, Aliza Nisenbaum, or Guadalupe Maravilla, which can only truly be valued as priceless. 

After the main program and dinner, After Party guests were treated to an exclusive live performance by GRAMMY-nominated rapper and singer Tierra Whack. An amazing set by DJ Jennifly got the entire room dancing and kept the party going well into the night.

The unforgettable evening exemplified a shared belief in the importance of art and artists in today’s unknown, everchanging, and often uncertain world. The artists will lead us to a more creative and inclusive world. 

Art21 is filled with gratitude for each and every individual who played a part in making the gala possible. Special thanks to the dedicated Gala Co-Chairs Anne Bevis Detwiler, Hedy Fischer, Ryan Gates, Andrea Glimcher, Barbara Gundlach, Louise Eliasof, Erica Samuels, Jasmin Tsou, and Migs Wright for helping shape such a fabulous night. A note of appreciation for our event sponsors, Liquitex, Marfa Stance, Thirteen Lune, and Unwilted, for adding extra delights to the beautiful event. Finally, we want to acknowledge all our supporters who share in our dedication to listening to, sharing, and honoring the works and words of contemporary artists.

The funds raised from the evening will directly support Art21’s growth. This next stage of organizational development means bringing more artists, films, and programs to an ever-growing global audience of 4.6 million. To make a donation to Art21, please visit Art21.org/donate.

Check out the full album of Gala images on BFA!

Photography by Deonté Lee/BFA.com