MASS MoCA hosted its annual New York City Benefit on Monday, Oct. 19, at 583 Park Avenue. Supporters gathered to celebrate the contemporary art museum's 16th year with a gala dinner, cocktail reception, live art auction, and performance by Bhangra-funk band Red Baraat. Benefit co-chairs Laurie Anderson and Jenny Holzer were in attendance and had donated artwork to the auction, conducted by Eric Widing of Christie's, which also featured work by Robert Rauschenberg, James Turrell, Jim Shaw, Shirin Neshat and Francesco Clemente. The proceeds from the record-setting auction support MASS MoCA’s exhibitions, performances, and educational and internship programs. At the close of the night, attendees leapt to their feet during a high-energy set by the brass-driven Red Baraat. Above, 2017 exhibiting artist Sarah Oppenheimer (far left) with guests.
Andrea Yost and her husband, artist Francesco Simeti, who made the centerpieces for the night's event, flank Lisa Panzera, Director of Fergus McCaffrey Gallery.
2017 exhibiting artist Jenny Holzer (right) with guests; MASS MoCA Curator Denise Markonish.
The night's auctioneer, Eric Widing, MASS MoCA's Director of Special Events Jennifer Trainer Thompson, pedaling.com's Nancy Maier, gallerist Jane Eckert, and artist Eric Forstmann.
Exhibiting artist and Williams College professor, Barbara Takenaga, with IS183 Board Chair Andy Foster; 2017 exhibiting artist Laurie Anderson.
Red Baraat brings the crowd to its feet.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
