The Parrish Art Museum’s annual Midsummer Gala brought together over 720 guests for an unforgettable evening of art, philanthropy, and community celebration. This year’s event, themed Echoes of the Cosmos, raised nearly $1.4 million to support the Museum’s exhibitions, education initiatives, and inclusive programming, with donations still coming in.
Honoring Artistic Vision and Philanthropic Impact
The evening recognized three visionary artists—Sanford Biggers, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, and Nina Yankowitz—for their groundbreaking contributions to contemporary art. Philanthropists Sandy and Stephen Perlbinder were celebrated for their decades-long commitment to the Museum and the East End’s cultural life.
Executive Director Mónica Ramírez-Montagut praised the Perlbinders as “deeply engaged, endlessly curious, and unwavering in their support of the Parrish,” while highlighting the honorees’ innovative and inspiring artistic practices.
A Star-Studded Summer Evening
Led by Dinner Chair Charlotte Lucas Pilaro and Afterglow Chair Laurence Milstein, the gala drew an extraordinary mix of artists, collectors, civic leaders, and cultural tastemakers. Attendees included Eric Fischl, April Gornik, Rashid Johnson, Mickalene Thomas, Ramona Singer, and CNN’s Erin Burnett, among many others.
Guests explored exhibitions on view—Sean Scully: The Albee Barn, Montauk, Shirin Neshat: Born of Fire, and Fresh Paint: Raven Halfmoon—before gathering on the Mildred C. Brinn Terrace for cocktails, a sunset dinner, and a spirited paddle raise led by Kimberly Pirtle Gabriel of Sotheby’s.
Immersive Art, Performance, and Décor
The Museum’s meadows and galleries were transformed with lush arrangements by Arthur Golabek Flowers and exceptional catering by Thomas Preti Events to Savor. At dusk, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer’s monumental light installation Collider illuminated the façade, reacting in real time to cosmic radiation.
Throughout the evening, Parsons Dance delivered captivating performances, while the Afterglow Dance Party—headlined by DJ Inflyt in the Lichtenstein Theater—kept guests dancing until midnight.
Signature Sponsors and Special Highlights
Presenting Sponsors Casa Dragones Tequila, Hedley Studios, and Northern Trust infused the evening with unique experiences, from Casa Dragones signature cocktails to the display of Hedley Studios’ classic car recreations.
Casa Dragones Co-Founder and CEO Bertha González Nieves remarked on the brand’s long-standing support of the arts, while Hedley Studios founder Ben Hedley and Northern Trust Senior Managing Director Jennifer Smith reflected on the shared mission of fostering creativity and opportunity in the community.
Benefiting Access and Education
Proceeds from the gala will advance transformative Museum programs, including Access Parrish, which tailors arts experiences for individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities, and Artscope: Teen Council, which offers high school students hands-on insight into careers in the arts.
As the Parrish Art Museum’s most significant annual fundraiser, the Midsummer Gala once again underscored the institution’s dedication to accessibility, creativity, and community engagement—while delivering a dazzling celebration that will be remembered long after the summer nights fade.