The art world’s elite gathered at the Bronx Museum of the Arts for its annual spring gala and art auction, honoring trailblazing artists Futura, Ebony G. Patterson, and Abbott Stillman.
The art world’s see-and-be-seen set gathered at the Bronx Museum of the Arts for its annual spring gala and art auction. This year’s event honored three trailblazing artists: Futura, ‘trailblazers in art’ , and Abbott Stillman.
A Night to Remember: Honoring Trailblazers in Art
Futura, known as Leonard McGurr, received the Trailblazer Award presented by artist Zephyr; MacArthur ‘Genius’ Ebony G. Patterson received the Visionary Award presented by MCA Denver chief curator Miranda Lash; and multidisciplinary artist Abbott Stillman received the Bronx Creative Vanguard Award presented by gallerist Brigitte Mulholland.
Futura is a geometric sans-serif typeface designed by Paul Renner in the 1920s.
The font was created to be a more modern and legible alternative to traditional serif fonts.
It features clean lines, simplified letterforms, and a focus on functionality.
Futura has been widely used in various fields, including graphic design, advertising, and typography.
Its popularity can be attributed to its versatility and adaptability across different mediums, from print to digital platforms.
The gala also featured a live auction, helmed by Sotheby’s dynamic Kimberly Pirtle, which showcased works by Awol Erizku, ‘works by’ , Gamaliel Rodríguez, Stillman, and Futura. An exclusive studio visit with artist Rashid Johnson was also part of the auction. All told, the gala raised over $800,000 to support the museum’s mission of championing artists whose identities have been historically marginalized.
The Bronx Museum of the Arts is a modern art museum located in the South Bronx, New York City.
Founded in 1971, it is one of the oldest institutions dedicated to showcasing contemporary art from around the world.
The museum's collection features over 7,000 objects, including paintings, sculptures, and prints.
Its exhibitions often focus on issues affecting urban communities, such as immigration, inequality, and social justice.
A Star-Studded Guest List
The guest list was a veritable Who’s Who of art and philanthropy luminaries. Artists spotted included John Ahearn, Brian Donnelly (a.k.a. KAWS), Awol Erizku, Nate Lewis, Wardell Milan, Halim Flowers, Reverend Joyce McDonald, Angel Otero, José Parlá, Lee Quinones, filmmakers Henry Chalfant and Charlie Ahearn, rapper Joey Bada$$, curator Amy Rosenblum-Martín, gallerists Rachel Uffner, Sam Gordon, and Monique Meloche, art advisor Rachel Cole, and philanthropists Karen Patterson of Ruth Arts and Kyle Croft of Visual AIDS.
The night wrapped with a lively afterparty featuring a dazzling performance by R&B star ‘opening for Sabrina Carpenter this fall’ Amber Mark (, and a high-octane set by DJ Pete Butta.
Amber Mark is an American singer-songwriter and producer known for her soulful voice and genre-bending sound.
Born in Miami, Florida, she began her music career at a young age, influenced by her mother's jazz and R&B records.
Mark's unique blend of electronic and organic elements has drawn comparisons to artists like Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill.
Her debut EP, 'Three Ambers', received critical acclaim and established her as a rising star in the music industry.
