The Tamesis
If there’s one event that makes fundraising fun, it’s the Arts Making Fund’s annual themed event. With an unparalleled ability to get grown-up New Yorkers to embrace a theme with aplomb, guests in the latest installment joined the group in inflatable costumes, ski goggles and fur stoles for Chalet Chic-style perks.
The meeting was held in the Seagram Building, and the first thing that caught your eye was a huge ice bar in the lobby, emblazoned with the evening’s custom logo. The refrigerated counter, created by Queens-based Okamoto, is stocked with a welcome shot of Absolut Tabasco Vodka, a hint of the level of fun to come. (If you look closely, there are some hollowed-out parts used to store loose cigarettes.)
After a quick nostalgia trip with Kelly Wall longing thoughts After ordering the penny press, guests head upstairs to The Grill, where servers and bartenders in down jackets and Moncler beanies hand out adorable pigs in blankets and soft pretzels. In the center of the room, artist Amanda Ross-Ho was skating on artificial ice, doing her best Tonya Harding look—albeit in a skeleton bodysuit instead of a sequined leotard.
“How many parties are you going to?” asked Gabriela Palmieri, the artistic consultant in charge of the paddleboard fundraiser, as 300 people sat for dinner at The Pool. “Yes – but how many of you think Go? Using a wine glass as a gavel, wearing Moon Boots and a cape, she led a record-breaking fundraising round that raised $1,000,000 for the event.
Proceeds from the gala will be used to further the Art Production Fund’s mission: to commission and produce ambitious and thought-provoking contemporary art projects for the public. “Because of you, the arts are more inclusive, more accessible, and more impactful,” said Casey Fremont, the nonprofit’s longtime executive director. “To make sure everyone in the room is clear about the work they’re supporting, here’s a little about what we do at APF: We reduce overhead, maximize efficiency, and operate as a full-time team of just three people. Over the past few weeks, you may have seen us outside Frieze Los Angeles; installing, moving, and protecting public art.” At her side, Director of Operations Kathleen Lynch nods and smiles expectantly, placing a hand on her belly.
As always, writer and grand food lover Sarah Hoover is back to curate a meal that wouldn’t look out of place at the foot of Ajax. Think: cheese fondue, chicken cutlets and garlicky potatoes, followed by s’mores and ice cream sandwiches. In between meals, people rush downstairs to the famous ladies’ room for beauty treatments, thanks to Amazon Luxury and Clé de Peau.
To the tune of the Polar Bears, a DJ duo wearing EDM-style bobbleheads, guests stayed late, sipped hot chocolate from mint schnapps and even donned skis. Why rush home? “This is the most comfortable I’ve ever felt at a party,” said Jennifer Fisher, wearing single shoes and a fur hat.
