The Art Production Fund held its annual themed gala at The Seagram Building in New York, embracing a chalet chic theme with inflatable outfits and ski gear. The event raised $1 million for commissioning contemporary art projects. Attendees enjoyed an ice bar, themed food, and performances amid festive decorations.
The Art Production Fund’s annual Night Out gala took place at The Seagram Building, where guests arrived in inflatable outfits, ski goggles, and fur stoles for a chalet chic theme. An ice bar in the lobby, designed by Queens-based Okamoto, featured the event’s logo and served welcome shots of Absolut Tabasco Vodka. A custom penny press by Kelly Wall provided nostalgic touches, while hollowed sections in the ice bar held loose cigarettes for attendees. Upstairs at The Grill, staff in puffer jackets and Moncler beanies offered pigs-in-a-blanket and soft pretzels. Artist Amanda Ross-Ho performed ice skating on a faux ice strip, dressed in a skeleton onesie. During dinner in The Pool for 300 guests, art advisor Gabriela Palmieri led a record-breaking paddle raise. Wearing Moon Boots and a poncho, she used a shot glass as a gavel and asked the crowd, “How many galas do you go to? Yes—but how many do you want to go to?” The evening raised a total of $1,000,000. Proceeds support the nonprofit’s mission to commission ambitious contemporary art projects for the public. Executive director Casey Fremont stated, “Because of you, art becomes more inclusive, more accessible, and more impactful.” She noted the organization’s small team of three, low overhead, and recent work at Frieze Los Angeles. Director of operations Kathleen Lynch attended with her baby bump. Sarah Hoover curated the menu, including cheese fondue, chicken schnitzel, whipped potatoes with garlic, s’mores, and ice cream sandwiches. Beauty touch-ups were available from Amazon Luxury and Clé de Peau. The Polar Bears DJ duo, in EDM-style bobble heads, played as guests enjoyed hot chocolate spiked with peppermint schnapps and shot-skis. Jennifer Fisher remarked, “This is the most comfy I’ve ever felt at a gala.”
