May is officially here, and New Yorkers everywhere are celebrating the sudden arrival of spring: the fashionistas roll out their designer spring/summer collection, the bartenders stir up G&Ts for rooftop cocktail parties, and the art world lets loose after an intense several months of shows and fairs. While you’ll still find fantastic exhibitions this spring and summer, we want to be sure you have all of the best art soirées on your calendar. Here’s our list of the most lit spring and summer art parties:

 

 

1. BOFFO Spring Benefit: Anti-Narcissists BallMay 8 

Photo // courtesy of BOFFO

BOFFO will host its annual Anti-Narcissists Ball at Le Souk with music by Sadaf. The evening will honor Gabriel Hendifar, Geeta Mehta, Michael Rakowitz, and Threeasfour. BOFF has served the artistic community by supporting new work and stimulating interdisciplinary dialogues since 2009. They serve local communities by offering access to the greatest voices of all media, generations, and practices in unexpected and unconventional ways.

 

 

2. El Museo Gala 2018May 10

Photo // courtesy of @hrabethge

Celebrating its 25th year, El Museo’s 2018 Gala is a spectacular event that brings together Latino and non-Latino cultural luminaries and leaders in business, finance, fashion, entertainment, art and philanthropy to raise crucial funding for the Museum. The Gala has been lauded as one of the hottest tickets in town by the press and New York City’s philanthropic circuit.

 

 

3. The High Line Spring Benefit, May 10

Photo // courtesy of The High Line and Liz Ligon

What’s better than cocktails and dinners on the High Line? This year, High Line will honor Elizabeth Belfer, Brookfield, The John Mack Family, whose founding support of the Campaign for the High Line and Stephen Mack’s former leadership on the High Line’s Board helped bring the High Line to life; and Joanne Wilson, an influential voice on the High Line’s Board who has helped shape the future generation of tech leaders and is committed to increasing access to the culinary industry for women and minority entrepreneurs.

 

 

4. Whitney Studio Party, May 22

Photo // courtesy of @kmproductionsny

The Studio Party is the Whitney’s Gala after party. All tickets contribute to the Museum’s mission of presenting groundbreaking exhibitions, award-winning education programs, and advancing the careers of some of the most innovative living artists of our time. The Studio Party welcomes young patrons, emerging artists, collectors, and guests from the worlds of art, fashion, business and entertainment for an evening of cocktails, music and exhibition viewing.

 

 

5. International Print Center New York Spring BenefitMay 21

Photo // courtesy of @IPCNY

IPCNY’s annual Spring Benefit Dinner celebrates the field of print, and the achievements of the individuals working within it. Each year, IPCNY honors three of the artists, curators, printers, or publishers whose lifelong contributions have advanced the medium. In addition to being a celebration of prints, the annual Spring Benefit Dinner is IPCNY’s most significant fundraising initiative. Table & ticket purchases fund their artist-centered exhibitions and programs throughout the year.

 

 

6. The Gordon Parks Foundation Annual Awards Dinner and Auction, May 22

Photo // courtesy of @gordonparksfoundation

This year’s Gordon Parks Foundation Annual Awards Dinner and Auction will honor Ta-Nehisi Coates, Ava DuVernay, Sherrilyn Ifill, Sally Mann, Jamel Shabazz, and Ronald O. Perelman, and will feature a musical performance from Mavis Staples. Enjoy cocktails and dinner at Cipriani 42nd Street.

 

7. The Frick Collection’s Spring Garden Party for FellowsMay 30

Photo // courtesy of The Frick Collection

The Frick Collection opens its historic Fifth Avenue Garden for the annual Spring Garden Party, a festive evening of art, spirits, and live jazz under the magnolia trees in the beautiful Fifth Avenue Garden. After the sun sets over Central Park, the party continues with dessert and dancing in the Music Room. Throughout the night, guests can view magnificent works of art from the permanent collection and the special exhibition galleries, as well as explore the mansion’s rarely seen second floor. Not a Fellow or Young Fellow? Join today to receive a complimentary invitation for you and a guest to this year’s highly anticipated Spring Garden Party.

 

 

8. MoMA Party in the GardenMay 31

photo // courtesy of MoMA

An incredible evening honoring Agnes Gund, MoMA’s beloved Trustee and a steadfast supporter of the arts and community activism. Cocktails and a seated formal dinner start off the night in The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden, while a festive after-party transforms the Museum with a special musical performance, DJs, and other activations. This signature gala benefits MoMA’s general operating fund, supporting our award-winning education programs and the care, study, and exhibition of their collection.

 

 

9. Cool Culture’s UnGalaMay 31

Photo // courtesy of Cool Culture

The UnGala strips away the traditional elements of a fundraising event and brings together some of New York City’s most influential artists, thought leaders, philanthropists and trend-setters for one night. Now in its third year, The UnGala celebrates and honors individuals and organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to social justice, cultural equity, and arts access, all while raising crucial funds for Cool Culture and its programs. The event features passed hors-d’oeuvres and food stations, cocktails, an auction, and dancing, and highlights advocates in the arts community who are making a difference.

 

 

10. Young Folk 5th Annual Spring BenefitMay 31

Photo: Young Folk Classroom chart on linen drawn by Orra White Hitchcock, Amherst College.

Lots to choose from on the 31st, but sign us up for partying on a boat! The Young Folk will host their annual Spring Benefit from 8-11pm aboard the schooner Clipper CityThe original Clipper City was built as a lumber schooner just prior to the Civil War. Clipper City was rebuilt from the original plans, on loan from the Smithsonian Institution, and recently refurbished. Join the party for drinks, music, and Americana vibes. The event will raise money to support Young Folk and the American Folk Art Museum. The boat will disembark from the 2 Battery Park Slip in NYC. Purchase tickets here.

 

 

11. The Glass House Summer PartyJune 4

Photo // courtesy of @pjglasshouse

The Glass House will celebrate the start of the season with our annual Summer Party fundraising event. With generous support from Janice Parker Landscape Architects and logistical support provided by SRI Fine Art Services, the Summer Party features a farm-to-table picnic by South End, rosé by Whispering Angel, lawn games, music, and a highly curated auction powered by Paddle8. Tesla will provide transportation between the parking area and the Glass House. Guests will also have the exclusive opportunity to view a Tesla Model X on display during the event.

 

 

12. New York Botanical Garden’s Conservatory BallJune 7

Photo // courtesy of @nybg

The Conservatory Ball will be held on Thursday, June 7, 2018, and will celebrate Gregory Long’s 29 years of service as NYBG’s Chief Executive Officer and The William C. Steere Sr. President. The Ball’s theme will be centered around the highly anticipated exhibition, Georgia O’Keeffe: Visions of Hawai‘i. Guests are invited to experience the iconic artist’s immersion in the Hawaiian Islands in 1939. An opportunity to view original artworks and tours of the Garden will be available during the cocktail hour. An elegant dinner and an evening of dancing will follow in the Conservatory Tent.

 

 

13. The Cooper Hewitt Color Soirée Garden Party, June 13

Photo // courtesy of Cooper Hewitt

Join your fellow design lovers for an evening inspired by Cooper Hewitt’s dynamic upcoming exhibition Saturated: The Allure and Science of Coloropening May 11Enjoy a strolling supper and vibrant signature cocktails in Cooper Hewitt’s Arthur Ross Terrace and Garden.

 

 

14. Storm King Art Center Summer Solstice CelebrationJune 23

Photo // courtesy of Storm King Art Center

The Summer Solstice Celebration, Storm King’s premier Hudson Valley event, will feature a cocktail reception, a gourmet farm-to-table dinner, private tours of the grounds and current exhibitions, and a special live music performance.

 

 

15. New Museum’s “Hell Yes!” Annual Summer Party, June 27

Photo // courtesy of Ugo Rondinone

Toast the arrival of summer from the New Museum’s Sky Room terrace at this annual party for members. All eligible members will receive an official email invitation with ticketing information prior to the event.

 

 

16. Parrish Art Museum Midsummer PartyJuly 14

Photo // courtesy of Parrish Art Museum

The highlight of the Hamptons summer social season, this annual event brings together over 500 artists, philanthropists, business leaders, and art world guests in support of the Parrish.

 

 

 

17. Watermill Center GalaJuly 28th

photo courtesy of The Watermill Center

D​escribed as an enchanted forest and performance art extravaganza, the TIME BOMB: Annual Watermill Center Summer Benefit unites the worlds of art, performance, music, theatre, design, architecture and fashion. All funds raised support The Center’s year-round Artist Residency and Education Programs that provide a unique environment for young and emerging artists to explore and develop new work.

 

 

18. Guild Hall’s Summer GalaAugust 11

Photo // courtesy of Guild Hall

The Guild Hall Summer Gala is the event of the Hamptons social season. Each year, more than 500 people join Guild Hall for this lively fête. The evening starts with an exclusive preview of our August Museum exhibition which has included exhibitions of Richard Avedon, Roy Lichtenstein, and Robert Motherwell. Guests are then invited to a private location to enjoy a beautiful evening of cocktails, dinner, and a live auction. The night finishes with dessert and a packed dance floor. Past DJs include Questlove, DJ Kiss, Yung Jake, and Hannah Bronfman; former emcees: Alec Baldwin, Joy Behar, and April Gornik; and previous honorees: Bonnie Lautenberg, Michael and Ninah Lynne, Martha Stewart, and Neda Young.

 

Did we miss one? Email info@artzealous.com.


Top Photo // courtesy of NYBG