A Night for Culture, Community, and Cause at The Bronx Museum’s Spring Gala and Art Auction

New York’s wavering and chilly weather—halfway into April, no less—finally gave way to a balmy 85 degrees on Wednesday, creating the perfect vibe for the Bronx Museum’s annual spring gala and art auction. The beloved institution assembled a room full of artists and art-lovers alike, ready to wholeheartedly support upcoming initiatives and programming.

Mickalene Thomas, Ella Emhoff, Danielle Falls, rapper and actor Joey Bada$$, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, and Michael McGinnis were among those who came out for the celebration, which honored artist Awol Erizku, cultural patron Lois Plehn, and KidSuper designer and artist Colm Dillane.

Upon arrival at Tribeca Rooftop, elevators swiftly ushered guests up to the open-air event space for a golden hour cocktail reception, where they were greeted by servers holding trays of Beluga caviar and flutes of Veuve Clicquot. “Tonight is a beautiful night—and this setting helps me to not be nervous before giving my speech,” said multi-platinum artist A$AP Ferg, who presented Erizku with the museum’s Artistic Visionary Award. Echoing Ferg’s sentiments, artist, singer, and songwriter Young Paris stated: “I appreciate the museum shining a spotlight on the culture and highlighting the positive things happening in-and-around the Bronx.”

After sunset, attendees were ushered downstairs to the main event, where more than 40 dining tables were decked out in black-and-gold place settings with floral centerpieces. A three-course dinner of Mesclun greens, steak, Chilean sea bass, and strawberry and chocolate mousse tarts ensued. Over dinner, museum trustee and gala co-chair Annie B. Taylor stated, “I cherish the importance of what we’ve done and what we’re doing for the Bronx. We’re extremely blessed to do such important work.” Taking it all in, Jeanice Parker, an art curator and owner of the brand Four Cees, agreed: “Galas like this are a necessity. This is my second time attending, and each time, the décor, atmosphere, and crowd are beyond amazing.”

In between the spotlights on the honorees—where McGinnis presented Plehn with the Cultural Ambassador Award, and Dillane was given the Innovator Award by Joey Bada$$—the night’s festivities continued with a rousing auction overseen by Phillips’ Sarah Krueger. Bids of $10,000 were placed for a personal studio visit with Thomas, and artwork by Ann Craven went for more than $20,000—ultimately won by Taylor. Representing the Mind Games luxury fragrance company (the night’s official gifting sponsor), Dorian Braxton, senior global director of PR, said: “Art is very important to Mind Games. And as a native New Yorker, seeing this type of community service in action is what the company and myself are all about.” Chiming in with shared excitement, Terry Long, the founder of 69 Crosby Consulting, added, “Seeing how the museum is able to rally community is really riveting. The artist connections and fundraising are extremely important.”

Ending the night’s on-stage activity and announcing the closing of dinner, emcee and television personality Denise Richardson ushered in the after-party by motioning guests towards the extended area of the ballroom. Well-heeled—and full-bellied—folks made their way onto the large dance floor, where swaths of golden chiffon fabric cascaded from the ceiling, illuminated by fire-red floor lighting. DJ Düe Champ spun a curated mix of top 40 and classic hits, keeping the floor alive all night as a wraparound bar offered up espresso martinis.