Watermill, NY – July, 2022 -The Parrish Art Museum Midsummer Dance and Dinner—the annual benefit for the Museum—attracted over 600 guests including artists, art collectors, curators, philanthropists, and business leaders from the Hamptons, New York City, and beyond. The 2-day outdoor event took place on July 8 & 9 at the Museum.
The Saturday Midsummer Dinner honored Racquel Chevremont & Mickalene Thomas, collectively known as Deux Femmes Noires, curators of the exhibition Set It Off; philanthropist/collector Miyoung Lee; and artist Jasper Johns whose work is featured in An Art of Changes: Jasper Johns Prints, 1960 – 2018 at the Museum. The event marked the appointment of the Museum’s new director, Mónica Ramírez-Montagut, Ph.D., who began her tenure June 27, 2022.
At the Midsummer Dance, event Co-Chairs Larry Milstein (Parrish Trustee) and Destinee Ross-Sutton welcomed guests and introduced Dr. Ramírez-Montagut, who introduced Oscar Nñ of Papi Juice. Guests danced on the terrace and enjoyed passed and plated hors d’oeuvres and desserts by Canard, Inc., amid décor by event designer Frank Alexander NYC.
At the Midsummer Dinner, Parrish Board of Trustees Co-Chairs Frederic M. Seegal and Alexandra Stanton welcomed guests, and acknowledged artists in attendance, Parrish trustees, Honorary Chair Marcia Dunn Sobel, and event Co-Chairs Deborah F. Bancroft, Preston T. Phillips, and George
Wells.
Dr. Ramírez-Montagut gave remarks and Alicia G. Longwell, Lewis B. and Dorothy Cullman Chief Curator, Art and Education, paid tribute to artist Jasper Johns (not in attendance) whose work is on view in the comprehensive exhibition at the Museum. George Wells presented a bouquet to honoree Miyoung Lee; Dr. Ramírez-Montagut presented a bouquet to honorees Racquel Chevremont and Mickalene Thomas.
Following dinner, created by Olivier Cheng Catering & Events, Sara Friedlander | Deputy Chairman, Christie’s led a paddle raise in support of the Museum’s programs, exhibitions, and education initiatives.
Notable guests at the dinner included artists Leilah Babirye, Mel Kendrick, Ugo Rondinone, Michelle Stuart, Toni Ross, and Darius Yektai; art journalist and playwright Carey Lovelace; fashion designer Nicole Miller; producers Stewart Lane and Bonnie Comley; and Patricia Duff, activist and founder of
The Common Good.