Mad Ball 2025 at the Museum of Arts and Design, honored designer and potter Jonathan Adler for his boundless creativity and irreverent flair. Leading the festivities was none other than Simon Doonan, former creative director of Barneys New York serving as the evening’s witty and wonderfully mischievous Master of Ceremonies spoke on first meeting Jonathan “Jonathan roller-bladed into my life in a cloud of clay dust — there were lumps of dried clay in his hair, on his little backpack, on his jeans. Clay everywhere. He wasn’t just making pots — he was starting a mega business and was about to change the face of pottery, making it cool and stylish. Underpinning the style and glamour of his pottery was a dialogue with the history of twentieth-century craft,” said Doonan.
Guests visited different floors to view open artist studios and exhibitions during cocktails, with live jazz throughout the museum & gathered for a lively cocktail presentation where tasty Mediterranean dishes, conversation and creativity flowed as freely as the champagne between sips and laughter, attendees customized their own masquerade masks at a craft table—a playful nod to MAD’s dedication to artistry and hands-on design. Among those spotted? Fashion designer Nicole Miller, who happily joined in the DIY fun before donning her creation for the next act of the night. Jonathan Adler visited the reception announcing “When I was 28, I had failed at working and realized I had no choice but to be a potter. The very first place I approached with my pots was the MAD gift shop. They placed an order and took a chance on an unknown potter. It was incredible,” said Adler. “One rainy day, I was feeling a little burnt out from the business mishegoss, and I got a call from MAD’s curator, Elissa Auther. Once again, it was MAD to the rescue. I’m so grateful to MAD and to all the potters and craftspeople who’ve made my mad, mad world possible.”
Dinner at the Robert restaurant, sponsored by Chair Emerita Barbara Tober, featured centerpieces by Adler. Board Chair Michele Cohen presented Adler with the Visionary Award, designed by jeweler Laura Fortune, whose piece referenced elements of Adler’s life. “Jonathan once said that, ‘to do what I do, you must have a bubbling sense of possibilities,’” said Cohen. “What better way to honor him than with an award that quite literally bubbles over — a gleaming sink filled to the brim with imagination, humor, and joy and your presence here tonight really affirms the importance of museums in this world at this particular moment,” said Tim Rodgers, MAD’s Nanette L. Laitman Director. “There is a reason why museums and artists are under attack right now — it’s because we are the people who believe in creative freedom and freedom of expression. When you’re under attack, it’s because you have power.”
Dinner at the Robert restaurant, sponsored by Chair Emerita Barbara Tober, featured centerpieces by Adler. Board Chair Michele Cohen presented Adler with the Visionary Award, designed by jeweler Laura Fortune, whose piece referenced elements of Adler’s life. “Jonathan once said that, ‘to do what I do, you must have a bubbling sense of possibilities,’” said Cohen. “What better way to honor him than with an award that quite literally bubbles over — a gleaming sink filled to the brim with imagination, humor, and joy and your presence here tonight really affirms the importance of museums in this world at this particular moment,” said Tim Rodgers, MAD’s Nanette L. Laitman Director. “There is a reason why museums and artists are under attack right now — it’s because we are the people who believe in creative freedom and freedom of expression. When you’re under attack, it’s because you have power.”
Afterward, Broadway baritone Nat Chandler (The Phantom of the Opera, The Scarlet Pimpernel) surprised guests with a performance then the evening transitioned from polished museum soirée to after-hours adventure, as the celebration continued at the secret after-party a blocks away where we entered the Masquerade Bar that came alive as guests danced, mingled, toasted and took in the fashion, that was equal parts glamour & chic -behind dazzling jeweled masks.
Attending were board members Susan Ach, and her husband Larry Ach, Glenn Adamson, Marian Burke, and her husband Russell Burke, Mike De Paola, Jeffrey Manocherian, Luam Melake, Cheryl R. Riley, Klara Silverstein, and Barbara Waldman. Among the many guests were also Amy Adler, Louise Chazen Banon, Janna Bullock, Kathy Chazen, Liz Collins, Rachelle Dang, Machine Dazzle, LaVon Kellner, Jonathan Lucas, Debi Mazar, Nicole Miller, Jamel Robinson, Kim Taipale, and Saya Woolfalk.
The exhibition The Mad MAD World of Jonathan Adlerruns through April 19, 2026 at the Museum of Arts and Design. Adler will appear in two upcoming talks: On the Couch with Jonathan Adler and Rachel Federman on December 11, 2025, and On the Couch with Jonathan Adler, Elissa Auther, and Sarah Archer on February 12, 2026.
The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) champions contemporary makers across creative fields, presenting exhibitions and programs that explore the intersection of art, craft, and design. Located at 2 Columbus Circle in New York City, MAD provides artists with studio space, supports innovation in materials and techniques, and engages the public through exhibitions, education, and events.
For further information, please visitmadmuseum.org