APF GALA 2022 HONORING SANFORD BIGGERS
Press Release
Art Production Fund’s 2022 Gala
APF REUNION
Honoring Sanford Biggers
Marked the return of the art world’s most beloved events
New York, NY – Art Production Fund celebrated its 11th Annual Gala on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, in partnership with Saks, and raised over $700,000 in support of the organization’s mission to produce ambitious public art projects. Three hundred guests gathered to honor artist Sanford Biggers, who was commissioned by APF for a project in the summer of 2021 entitled Oracle, a 25-foot tall bronze sculpture that was installed at Rockefeller Center as part of their first ever campus-wide survey.
The 2022 Gala lived up to its theme APF REUNION and marked the return to the iconic NYC landmark, The Seagram Building after a two-year hiatus. Immediately upon arrival, guests were surprised to discover the famous ladies lounge was transformed into an official photo moment courtesy of Saks. Guests then proceeded upstairs for cocktails in THE GRILL, where they sipped Ruinart Champagne, or opted for martinis poured through an APF custom ice luge. A special performance by Cheer New York led guests into dinner. They were then greeted with an unforgettable and immersive performance by Sanford Biggers’ multimedia concept band Moon Medicin, presented by GUCCI. The performance ended with the audience standing for “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Executive Director Casey Fremont and Director of Operations Kathleen Lynch welcomed and thanked guests and Marcus Samuelsson led the room in a toast to honoree Sanford Biggers. Dinner was made even more special by a cleverly curated menu by Sarah Hoover, alongside custom printed surprises by Vista including napkins designed by Biggers and APF Varsity Jackets embroidered with guests’ names. Throughout the evening, many guests donned their jackets amping up the festive reunion atmosphere.
Sara Friedlander, Head of the New York Evening Sale at Christie’s, led the live auction supported by UOVO. Auction lots included a sculpture by Derrick Adams for $51,000, a work by LaKela Brown going for $15,000, a Jeff Koon’s balloon dog Bernardaud plate selling for $17,000, and a painting by Hiba Schahbaz for $24,000. Experiences auctioned included a private champagne tasting for six from Ruinart, hammering in at $6,000 and a surprise lot — a dinner hosted with Sanford Biggers at Marcus Samuelsson’s new Derrick Adams designed restaurant. Two individuals won the lot, contributing $15,000 and $12,000 respectively.
All proceeds from the evening will support Art Production Fund’s public commissions that make artists’ visions come to life. Art Production Fund (APF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to commissioning and producing ambitious public art projects, reaching new audiences and expanding awareness through contemporary art.
Art Production Fund Leadership: Executive Director Casey Fremont, Director of Operations Kathleen Lynch.
Guests included: Co-Founders Doreen Remen and Yvonne Force Villareal, Amy Astley, Amy Phelan, Aurora James, Barbara Schinazi, Beverly Nguyen, Bob Colacello, Camilla Marcus, Carolyn Angel, Cece Barfield Thompson, Charlotte Groeneveld, Chloe Wise, Cynthia Rowley, Derrick Adams, Dustin Yellin, Eboni K. Williams, Fab 5 Freddy, Flynn McGary, Francisco Costa, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Hank Willis Thomas & Rujeko Hockley, Huma Abedin, Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin, Isolde Brielmaier, Jane Keltner de Valle, Jenne Lombardo, Jessica Joffe, Jessica Wang, Jill Kargman, Lilah Ramzi, Lily Sheen, Marcus Samuelsson, Maxwell Osborne, Mickalene Thomas & Racquel Chevremont, Nell Diamond, Nicola Vassell, Nicole Ari Parker, Paul Arnhold & Wes Gordon, Peter Marino, Prabal Gurung, Rachel & Neil Blumenthal, Rachel Feinstein & John Currin, Rachelle Hruska & Sean Macpherson, Sai De Silva, Sarah Arison, Sarah Harrelson, Sarah Hoover, Selah Marley, Shantell Martin, Sheree Hovsepian & Rashid Johnson, Stacey Bendet, Tyler Mitchell, Waris Ahluwalia, Zoe Buckman, and more.
ART PRODUCTION FUND is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to commissioning and producing ambitious public art projects, reaching new audiences and expanding awareness through contemporary art. Past projects include: Elmgreen & Dragset, “Prada Marfa,” Valentine, TX, Ugo Rondinone, “Seven Magic Mountains,” Las Vegas, Jeff Koons, Zoe Buckman, “CHAMP,” LA, and Max Colby at Rockefeller Center, NY. For more information, please visit artproductionfund.org / @ArtProductionFund
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THIRD EYE
Jillian Scott
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