On Thursday night, Russell and Danny Simmons’ Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation along with Bombay Sapphire Gin, announced Philadelphia based artist Darius Frank as the Grand Prize Winner of the 7th Annual BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Artisan Series. Once again, the annual arts competition embarked on a North American search for the next big name in visual arts; bringing 16 finalists to SCOPE Miami Beach to showcase their work in front of an esteemed panel of judges including Rush Philanthropic co-founder Danny Simmons; SCOPE Miami Beach Vice President Daria Brit Greene; Creative Time’s Executive Director Katie Hollander, and Artisan Series Canadian Ambassador/Painter Kim Dorland.

 

Andre Guichard, Danny Simmons, Jimmy Jenkins Jr, Russell Simmons
Andre Guichard, Danny Simmons, Jimmy Jenkins Jr, Russell Simmons at the 7th Annual Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series Finale

 

As the Grand Prize Winner, Darius Frank will now move on to collaborate with New York based non-profit arts organization, Creative Time, on a groundbreaking public arts project scheduled to be unveiled in Spring 2017 and win a solo exhibition at next year’s SCOPE Miami Beach.

 

A$AP Rocky
A$AP Rocky at the 7th Annual Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series Finale

 

An illustrious mix of artists, celebrities, musicians, and art industry influencers came together for the private event at 1111 Lincoln Road. Guests, including A$AP Rocky, Russell Simmons, Rosario Dawson, and Sasha Lane, enjoyed artfully crafted BOMBAY SAPPHIRE cocktails and hor d’oeuvres while dancing to beats by Guest DJ Jermaine Dupri.

 

Jermaine Dupri
Jermaine Dupri at the 7th Annual Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series Finale

 

Photos // Zach Hilty/BFA.com