The Most Memorable Parties Of 2022
It was a year of getting back into the swing of live festivities, and that alone was worth celebrating.
Supper in Seville, with Raymond Kwok, Yong Kowk, and Jonathon Loy, director of production and BOF co-founder
In 2022, invitations went out and people showed up, but, to be honest, not without a little trepidation. To mask or not? To hug or bump elbows? Fortunately, enough of us braved the vagaries of social behavior in the past year, and we've got the photos to prove it. Since 2008, when Rural Intelligence began covering the nonprofit fundraising season and other important events, we've been thrilled to spotlight the creative, dynamic and just plain fun people who are so generous with their time, talent and funding that improve the quality of life in our area. We love covering the region’s galas; it’s the perfect opportunity to visit with wonderful old friends, meet interesting new ones, and taste the delicious food and drink produced right here at home. Below is a sampling of the galas that make our jobs so fun. Click here to relive all of 2022's parties.
Supper in Seville set the stage for Berkshire Opera Festival's upcoming productions. The event in June served as the organization's season kickoff and fundraiser, and offered a preview of the BOF's 2022 mainstage opera, Mozart's "Don Giovanni." Guests were treated to three musical selections performed between courses by American soprano Jacqueline Piccolino.
Jacob's Pillow celebrated its 90th anniversary with a star-studded evening. The event on June 18 opened the newly renovated Ted Shawn Theatre, and during the evening's performances, the audience lauded the eminent danceres, choreographers and company directors who were introduced by decade.
Rural Intelligence published its first print magazine and invited everyone to celebrate with us. On June 29, we welcomed longtime readers, newbies, and advertisers to the launch of our summer magazine. It was a thrill to be on the other side, hosting all of you!
Shaker Museum's Summer Garden Party put the focus on community. This organization keeps the Shaker community spirit alive, and on August 6, a large contingent of supporters — including some famous local celebrities — enjoyed a feast (served family style, of course).
Equine Advocates brought Alvin Ailey II to town. On September 18, the horse sanctuary held cocktails on site so guests could mingle with the equines, then invited the guests to repair to PS21, where the Ailey II company performed three signature pieces.
The American Mural Project held a gala beneath the largest indoor collaborative artwork in the world. Billed as the Art of Work Gala, the event on September 17, held in the vast mural gallery, included a showcase of American music performed by a chorus, soloists, and instrumentalists.
The Brien Center celebrated 100-plus years of compassion and mental health care on October 22. The evening of thanks, personal stories, hors d’oeuvres and drinks was capped by a concert featuring the Me2/ Orchestra, the world’s only classical music organization created for individuals living with mental illness and the people who support them.
Written by
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
