The Parrish Art Museum’s 2025 Midsummer Gala Raises Nearly $1.4 Million

This past summer, the Parrish Art Museum welcomed more than 720 guests to its annual benefit, Midsummer Gala: Echoes of the Cosmos. The highly anticipated gala was held throughout the museum’s galleries, terraces, and iconic meadows and raised nearly $1.4 million for the museum’s exhibitions, education initiatives, and programming. The evening brought together artists, collectors, curators, philanthropists, and cultural and civic leaders for a celebration of the arts, honoring artists Sanford Biggers, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, and Nina Yankowitz, as well as philanthropists Sandy and Stephen Perlbinder.

“Sandy and Stephen Perlbinder embody the essence of arts patrons: deeply engaged, endlessly curious, and unwavering in their support of the Parrish,” said Mónica Ramírez-Montagut, Executive Director of the Museum. “It is a profound privilege to honor their legacy and the tremendous impact they’ve had on the cultural fabric of this region. Likewise, we celebrate the artistic vision and bold innovation of Sanford Biggers, Nina Yankowitz, and Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, each of whom continues to explore and expand the boundaries of contemporary art and inspire our community through their innovative work.”

During cocktail hour, Hedley Studios automobiles were on display, and full bars were set up in the Meadow, serving Casa Dragones signature cocktails and tequila tastings throughout the event.

Guests walked through exhibitions on view, including Sean Scully: The Albee Barn, Montauk, Shirin Neshat: Born of Fire, and Fresh Paint: Raven Halfmoon. They also enjoyed a sunset dinner and a paddle raise on the Mildred C. Brinn Terrace. A highlight of the event was the performances by Parsons Dance throughout the evening. The Afterglow Dance Party in the Lichtenstein Theater, headlined by DJ Inflyt, brought an influx of energy as guests enjoyed desserts and commandeered the dance floor until Midnight.

The 2025 Midsummer Gala was led by Dinner Chair Charlotte Lucas Pilaro and Afterglow Chair Laurence Milstein, with the support of Host Committee members Elizabeth and David Granville-Smith, Alexandra Stanton, Yanina Fuertes, and Frederic M. Seegal. 

Among the distinguished guests were artists Sanford Biggers, Eric Fischl, April Gornik, Sheree Hovsepian, Rashid Johnson, Mel Kendrick, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Shantell Martin, Arcmanoro Niles, Joan Semmel, Sean Scully, Pat Steir, Michelle Stuart, Mickalene Thomas, and Nina Yankowitz. Notables in attendance included Joey Wölffer, Erin Burnett, Casey Fremont, Steve Israel, Sandra Lee, Mayor William Manger Jr., Dennis and Karen Mehiel, Bertha González Nieves, John Paulson, and Ramona Singer.