As the sun dipped behind the Manhattan skyline, the Museum of Arts and Design’s Luminaries transformed the rooftop into a gathering place where philanthropy met creative rebellion. More than a cocktail party, this gathering draws together prominent figures from various creative fields, fostering collaboration and inspiration. The evening celebrated the artists redefining contemporary craft, design, and material innovation. Attendees are treated to an exquisite evening filled with artistic displays, cuisine, drinks and engaging conversations within the museum’s vibrant atmosphere. The event exemplifies MAD’s commitment to supporting and showcasing the diverse talents within the artistic community.

“MAD” Luminaries represent the next generation of philanthropists making it possible for their creative contemporaries to develop artistic practices through programs, workshops, and exhibitions,” said Dana Boll, MAD Deputy Director of Advancement. Boll welcomed guests alongside current and former Artists in Residence from Artist Studios program—the only residency of its kind in New York City.

“MAD is a community that grows around artists,” added curator Elizabeth Koehn, highlighting alumni such as Anthony Akinbola, whose residency culminated in a work entering the museum’s permanent collection, and Saya Woolfalk, whose acclaimed retrospective Emphatic Universe continues its national tour. “We come together tonight as a community to gain and share perspective, and reaffirm our commitment to keeping the arts alive and thriving in this city,” Boll remarked.

With cocktails flowing and DJ Erol Sabadosh setting the soundtrack until sunset, guests mixed with the artists shaping today’s creative landscape. Conversations unfolded with Artists in Residence Nima Jeizan, Joel Gaitan, Kazue Taguchi, Esperanza Cortes, Emiko Shinozaki, and Kat Ryals, whose public-facing studios invite visitors into the creative process as it happens.

The evening concluded with an exclusive after-hours tour of The Haas Brothers: Uncanny Valley, extending the celebration from the rooftop into the galleries.

Leading the festivities were MAD Luminaries Eliane Guyader and Caroline Zimbalist. Guests also included representatives from the American Museum of Natural History- Ryan McGregor, Eli Nadler, and Melanie Pavlidis—as well as American Ballet Theatre Junior Council members Moriah Bankapur, Leah Cunningham, and Tilmon Splawn. Manhattan Theatre Club was represented by Emma Mangol and Sarah Wolf, alongside notable attendees including PC Chandra, Jackson Durbin, Che Morales, Josh Raiffe, Lara Saget, and Taylor Wos.

MAD Luminaries is the Museum of Arts and Design’s young patrons group for members ages 21–45, bringing together collectors, creatives, and cultural supporters through curator-led tours, artist studio visits, workshops, and exclusive events while directly supporting the museum’s exhibitions, residencies, and programming.

Image Credits: Diane Kronstad & Sean Zanni