On Thursday, May 5, 2022, the Art21 Family Reunion was held in New York City in celebration of 25 years of Art21. The beautiful spring evening was charged with energy as the event brought together Art21’s global family of artists, filmmakers, educators, trustees, funders, and supporters.

Artists in attendance included Tanya Aguiñiga, Janine Antoni, Korakrit Arunandonchai, Tauba Auerbach, Firelei Baez, Elliott Jerome Brown Jr., Jes Fan, Doreen Garner, Barbara Gundlach, Josephine Halvorson, Hugh Hayden, Oliver Herring, David Howe, Brooke Hsu, Tommy Kha, Jade Guanaro Kuriki-Olivo, Tau Lewis, Josiah McElheny, Kevin and Jen McCoy, Adam Milner, Joiri Minaya, Azikiwe Mohamed, Richard Mosse, Diane Severin Nguyen, Paul Pfeiffer, Rachel Rossin, Ursula von Rydingsvard, Fred Wilson, Kennedy Yanko, and Marela Zacarías. Arts patrons and collectors included Jessica and Natan Bibliowicz, Estrellita and Daniel Brodsky, Nikola Duravcevic and Dana Ben-Ari, Hedy Fischer and Randy Shull, Dawn and Chris Fleischner, Bill Gautreaux, Susan Harris, Stephanie and Tim Ingrassia, Will Palley, Marquita Pool-Eckert, Amitha Raman, Claire Stull. Gallerists and Art dealers included Megan Bedford, Claire Bergeal, Jack and Dolly Geary, John Good, Steve Henry, Jennifer Mora. Filmmakers and media guests included, Bryan Chang, Jon-Sesrie Goff and Madeleine Hunt-Ehrlich, Rafael Moreno, Ava Willand, Jon Kamen and Candice Cook of Radical Media.

In the true spirit of a family reunion, the event featured Art21 customized games, buffet-style fare, delicious drinks courtesy of our sponsors at El Tinieblo, Yave Tequila, and Ghia, and the afterparty was animated by artist and DJ Rafael Lozano-Hemmer. Guests made the most of the photo booth, posing with friends new and old, and enjoyed seeing their photos projected onto the digital billboard on the building across from the venue.

The Art21 Family Reunion honored longtime Art21 supporter and President Emerita Migs Wright and award-winning filmmakers Stanley Nelson and Marcia Smith of Firelight Media. Filmmaker and trustee, Christine Turner gave touching remarks about Stanley and Marcia’s dedication to storytelling before presenting them onto the stage. Migs Wright was introduced by television director and trustee Tucker Gates, who shared stories about Migs, including her passion for fly-fishing. Guests watched short films about the honorees, as well as Art21’s impact and vision for the future, and artists’ testimonials. Executive Director and Chief Curator, Tina Kukielski and board chairman, James Cohan provided special remarks about the impact of having accessibility to art.

The event also featured a silent auction of 22 artworks by Art21 artists including drawings, paintings, sculptures, and film. The beautifully installed auction room inspired great conversations and was filled most of the evening. 

Funds raised from this event and silent auction will be dedicated to continuing Art21’s mission of producing films and multimedia content that removes barriers and facilitates access to contemporary artists and art. Contributions to Art21 help bring contemporary art to students and underserved communities all over the world. To make a donation to Art21, please visit Art21.org/donate.