On July 9, the Parrish Art Museum hosted its annual Midsummer Dinner, a highly anticipated benefit event in support of the museum’s exhibitions, education and programming. The elegant affair, put together by co-chairs Deborah F. Bancroft, Preston T. Phillips and George Wells and honorary co-chair Marcia Dunn Sobel, honored four influential art world figures: Racquel Chevremont and Mickalene Thomas of Deux Femmes Noires, artist Jasper Johns and art collector and philanthropist Miyoung Lee.
The evening began with outdoor cocktails, where guests engaged in spirited conversation while browsing the Museum’s two current exhibitions, “Set It Off,” curated by Deux Femmes Noires and featured on the cover of Cultured’s inaugural Hamptons edition, and “An Art of Changes: Jasper Johns Prints, 1960 – 2018” in the galleries and meadow. During the cocktail hour in the sculpture garden, guests had the opportunity to enjoy serves of PATRÓN Tequila’s latest prestige innovation – PATRÓN EL CIELO.
Then, guests moved to the dazzling Mildred C. Brinn Terrace, where they encountered beautifully designed tables set under the pitched roof by architects Herzog and de Meuron. The sunset cast a dreamy backdrop of pinks, purples and oranges onto the sky above as attendees indulged in a multiple-course dinner created by Oliver Cheng Catering & Events. When the sky darkened, hanging light fixtures and candles at each table set the mood for an auction hosted by Christie’s deputy chairperson Sara Friedlander. Guests raised their paddles enthusiastically in support of the Museum’s programs, exhibitions and educational initiatives.
The event attracted artists, art collectors, curators, philanthropists and business leaders from the Hamptons, New York City and beyond. Attendees included Leilah Babirye, Ugo Rondinone, Kameelah Janan Rasheed, Carole Server, Notoya Green, Susan and Louis Meisel, Darius Yektai, Nicole Miller, Carey Lovelace, Stewart Lane, Mel Kendrick and David Granville Smith as well as the Museum’s new director Dr. Mónica Ramírez-Montagut and deputy director Melanie Crader. Though Jasper Jones was unable to attend, Dr. Mónica Ramírez-Montagut paid tribute to the artist and his comprehensive exhibitions.
