After Wednesday’s Camp-Themed Party, The Art Production Fund’s Annual Gala Is Fast Becoming New York’s Most Fun Fundraiser 

Followers of fashion and pop culture know that a certain Party of the Year once centered on all things “camp”—but that didn’t stop the Art Production Fund from embracing the very same theme for their annual gala this past Wednesday night. After all, Camp APF had less to do with kitsch and everything to do with summer camp. Think compasses, bonfires…that kind of camp. Leaning all the way into the theme, the party’s menus arrived in envelopes addressed “To Mom”; several guests wore camp counselor-esque getups; and the tables (represented by Saks, Gucci, Palm Heights, Alice + Olivia, Chanel, and more) felt like their own cabins—there was Chanel’s, swathed in black and white lace, a table bursting with rainbow hues for Alice + Olivia, and so on. 

For the fashionable occasion, over 300 guests gathered at The Seagram Building in New York City. Presented by Saks, the event raised over $760,000 in support of the APF’s mission to produce ambitious public art projects. 

Executive Director Casey Fremont Crowe expressed her gratitude towards the organization's champions, stating, "You probably noticed the decision to forego an honoree, giving the opportunity to focus this celebration on our incredible supporters and, of course, the artists who have made the work of our production fund possible for the past 23 years." She also thanked Saks for their support, adding, "You're obviously a dream to work with, and you exemplify what it means to wholeheartedly support an organization…you even supported our dreams to make giant olives for our life-sized martini step-and-repeat moment, so obviously, we couldn't love you any more."

If Camp APF had a signature libation, it was without a doubt the dirty martini—guests cued up for a martini-themed photo op before entering the space, which was sprinkled with friendly servers hoisting trays filled with drinks. Another event sponsor who took things to the max? Luxury jeweler Maria Tash, who camped out in The Grille’s famous ladies’ lounge, piercing the ears of intrepid guests.

During the cocktail hour, the crowd slurped on Camp APF slushies while dancers in tennis club garb performed the piece “Endless Summer” by artist Brendan Fernandes. Then, everyone headed to their seats for dinner. 

Here, guests were greeted with a special installation by Lutfi Janania and settled into their “bunks” before dinner was announced with a commissioned performance by acclaimed trumpet player Dave Guy. During the decadent camp-inspired dinner, curated by APF Board member Sarah Hoover, guests enjoyed lobster clubs, Lay’s potato chips, and delectable ice cream sandwiches. Each table setting was complete with custom surprises for attendees to carry home, including an APF denim button-down and personalized keychains by Leatherology.

Sara Friedlander, Head of the New York Evening Sale at Christie’s, led the live auction supported by UOVO, which included a painting by Hiba Schahbaz that sold for $18,000, a sculpture by Kenny Scharf going for $15,000, and a luxurious getaway to the Palm Heights resort in Grand Cayman.

All proceeds from the evening support the Art Production Fund’s public commissions, which make artists’ visions come to life. Past projects include Elmgreen & Dragset’s “Prada Marfa” in Valentine, Texas; Ugo Rondinone’s “Seven Magic Mountains” in Las Vegas; Jeff Koons and Zoe Buckman’s “CHAMP” in Los Angeles; and Sanford Biggers’s “Oracle” at Rockefeller Center.

The night was attended by several notable guests, including co-founders Yvonne Force Villareal and Doreen Remen, Sarah Arison, Huma Abedin, Waris Ahluwalia, Stacey Bendet, Isolde Brielmaier, Jennifer Fisher, Fab 5 Freddy, Jon Gray of Ghetto Gastro, Maria Giulia Germanetti, Charlotte Groeneveld, and more.