Though it already seems like a long-standing staple of the art world, Ballroom Marfa is only this year celebrating its 20th anniversary. Last night, the organization raised a toast to the occasion at its annual gala, held at New York’s Church of St. John the Divine.
Part cosmic celebration, part high-fashion rodeo, the evening—emceed by the irresistibly witty comedian John Early—blended art-world prestige with a distinctly free-flowing Texan twist. Guests, dressed in “Texas Formal” attire and a litany of garments from sponsor Brunello Cucinelli, gathered to honor actor and producer Allison Sarofim and artist Leo Villareal while raising over $1 million to propel Ballroom’s groundbreaking programs into the next two decades.
Nestled in the remote West Texas town of Marfa, Ballroom Marfa is known for championing experimental art, music, and cultural innovation. The gala kicked off with a drumline performance by the Marching Cobras, watched by attendees including Joe Jonas, designers Cynthia Rowley and Wes Gordon, artists Sheree Hovespian and Anna Weyant, the Whitney's Scott Rothkopf, and more. Lydia Fenet electrified the room with a live auction featuring works by Alejandro Piñeiro Bello, Florian Krewer, and Marina Perez Simão, while Villareal unveiled a mesmerizing laser installation.
Broadway stars brought the house down with a special performance, and the Off the Grid Award—designed by Joel Gaitan—was presented to the night’s honorees, celebrating their commitment to artistic freedom. The gala, showcasing Ballroom’s fearless legacy, set the stage for a night, and future, of creative brilliance.
