The PS21 Gala in the Orchards Draws A Supportive Crowd
A sweltering summer night didn't stop an excited crowd from coming out for the Chatham venue's big fundraiser.
PS21's Executive and Artistic Director Elena Siyanko with board member Pooky Amsterdam
You could say that PS21 (Performance Spaces for the 21st Century) founder and philanthropist Judy Grunberg was there in spirit at the nonprofit’s Gala in the Orchards this past Friday, Aug. 5. You could also say she was there in spirits, as the evening’s signature vodka-lemonade cocktail (The Judy, complete with edible nasturtium flowers as a garnish) was served in her honor. Dinner, a silent auction, and remarks were held under a tent in the PS21 orchards. Potted apple trees brought the outdoors in, serving as décor inside the tent and doubling as a popular auction item that was ready to bring home. A premiere by the Mark Morris Dance Group in the open-air pavilion theater followed dinner, and preceded a coffee and dessert reception inside the black box theater. The gala raised funds to support PS21’s free and low-cost community programs and education initiatives, the artists who create innovative works at the site, and the preservation of its 100-acre landscape.
Photo by Steven Taylor, courtesy of PS21
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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
