{"id":20678,"date":"2026-01-29T18:29:12","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T18:29:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/2026\/01\/29\/photos-inside-whitneys-2026-art-party\/"},"modified":"2026-01-29T18:29:20","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T18:29:20","slug":"photos-inside-whitneys-2026-art-party","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/2026\/01\/29\/photos-inside-whitneys-2026-art-party\/","title":{"rendered":"PHOTOS: Inside Whitney\u2019s 2026 Art Party"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Each year, the Art Party celebrates bold expression in art, style and sound. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Whitney Art Party\u2019s theme this year called for \u201cloud patterns,\u201d and loud it was. The museum\u2019s Kenneth C. Griffin Hall, from the moment the doors opened earlier this week, quickly filled with a well-heeled, creatively dressed crowd. Guests jockeyed for space to get in on the familiar art-world small talk, competing with the vibrant rhythms of Latino and Mexican music remixed live by artist Ra\u00fal de Nieves<\/b>, who held forth at the console for the first stretch of the night. This party, as per usual, skewed notably younger than most museum galas, striking a rare balance between influencers and socialites on one side and the more endemic mix of art professionals, artists, collectors, patrons and enthusiasts on the other, offering a telling glimpse of what the art world\u2019s next round of movers and shakers will look like.<\/p>\n

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The Art Party is, after all, the Whitney\u2019s long-running annual benefit designed to court younger patrons\u2014typically creatives and professionals in their 20s through to their early 40s\u2014functioning both as a fundraising event and a gateway into the Whitney as a space for cultural participation.<\/p>\n

Co-hosting this year\u2019s edition were Ego Nwodim<\/a><\/b>, Martine Gutierrez<\/a><\/b> and Emma Safir<\/a><\/b>, alongside Whitney Contemporaries Steven Beltrani<\/a><\/b> and Alexander Hankin<\/a><\/b>, and stylist Micaela Erlanger<\/a><\/b>, in her 10th year as co-chair\u2014a milestone that underscored her long-standing commitment to the museum. \u201cOver the years, I\u2019ve watched the Whitney\u2014and this event\u2014grow, evolve and continually reflect the creative energy of New York,\u201d Erlanger said in a statement, noting how the city is always reinventing itself and how the Art Party remains one of her favorite places to see that dynamic spirit come alive. \u201cThe energy at last night\u2019s Whitney Art Party was electric,\u201d echoed Hankin. \u201cA sold-out event with everyone fully embracing the maximalist vibe! It was an evening that I couldn\u2019t have been prouder of.\u201d<\/p>\n

That energy was unmistakably present again this year, especially when New York City\u2019s first lady, Rama Duwaji<\/a><\/b>, made a brief appearance toward the end of the evening. She and her husband, Mayor Zoran Mamdani, have quickly come to embody the aspirations of a new generation of New Yorkers<\/a>\u2014particularly those rooted in the creative sectors she herself belongs to.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe energy last night was so strong,\u201d confirmed Molly Krause<\/a><\/b>, who represents powerhouse female dealers including Marianne Boesky<\/a> and L\u00e9vy Gorvy and serves as both co-chair of Whitney Contemporaries and a member of the benefit committee. \u201cOne thing I love about the Art Party\u2014I think it\u2019s my 10th one, the pandemic hiatus is kind of a blur though\u2014is that everyone shows up with the attitude of wanting to meet new people and bond over art,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s the most unpretentious art event of the season in my mind. I always meet interesting new people, and this year was no exception.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wrapped in a floor-length, tiered, sculptural dress composed of bold, candy-colored horizontal bands\u2014a Christopher Raxxy<\/a> gown borrowed from the closet of Danielle Hankin\u2014Krause was hard to miss amid the camera flashes. The only downside: the dress\u2019s dramatic proportions required her to remain stationed at the entrance, greeting guests. \u201cNormally, one of my favorite things to do during an Art Party is browse the permanent collection after hours, but I knew my dress was going to be too big to walk around in this year,\u201d she said, adding that she had preemptively visited the museum the weekend before with her toddler and husband to catch the exhibitions.<\/p>\n

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The Whitney Contemporaries\u2019 f\u00eate has become a cornerstone of New York\u2019s arts and philanthropy calendars. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The galleries remained open throughout the night, allowing visitors to move through the museum with greater attention and far less crowding, lingering over masterpieces from the collection on view in \u201c\u2018Untitled\u2019 (America)<\/a>\u201d on the seventh floor. One could get lost in the layered physicality of The Rose<\/i> by Jay Defeo<\/a>, now back on view, as well as exhibitions like \u201cHigh Wire: Calder\u2019s Circus at 100,\u201d which presents the complete Calder\u2019s Circus<\/i> through March 8 and offered an unexpectedly emotional and resonant counterpoint to the electrically ecstatic tone of the evening. With its extreme economy of means and radical simplicity, the work reveals\u2014beneath the apparent naivety and playfulness of its fantastical figures\u2014a deep sense of human fragility in the face of trauma and violence, an alarmingly apt reflection of the precarious geopolitical moment marking the start of the year.<\/p>\n

Nonetheless, with its bold call for prints and patterns, the party revived a genuine sense of playful creativity, offering attendees a window of color and relief amid the relentless flow of dramatic news. \u201cThe Whitney art party was electric, and it felt as if everyone in attendance was in competition with the works of art for the boldest look of the night,\u201d Gabrielle Richardson<\/a><\/b>, another committee host, told Observer. Even if some looks felt lifted from last year\u2019s playbook or recycled\u2014with many outfits nodding to the \u201970s, as the previous edition had invited\u2014the night succeeded in transporting everyone into a more suspended, cheerful dimension, celebrating the power of art through creative play and imagination.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe energy at the Whitney Art Party felt creative, curious, and alive. It was one of those nights where art, people, and experience all collided most genuinely,\u201d Haley River Smith<\/a><\/b>, director of Scope and a member of the hosting committee, told Observer. River Smith also went all-in on the artist-first ethos, wearing a beautifully colored metal-chained top by FBF Metal Atelier, designed by artist Friday Lynton.<\/p>\n

Other members of this year\u2019s hosting committee included Edward Barsamian<\/b>, Malcolm Carfrae<\/b>, Rose Carlisle<\/b>, Jade Croonenberghs<\/b>, CULTURED<\/b>, Sarah Daoui<\/a><\/b>, Kate Davidson Hudson<\/b>, Peter Davis<\/b>, Sophie Elgort<\/b>, Sasha Gordon<\/b>, Sarah Hoover<\/b>, Logan Horne<\/b>, Danya Issawi<\/b>, Sebastian Jean<\/b>, Dr. Amanda Kahn<\/b>, Lotus L. Kang<\/b>, Elizabeth Kurpis<\/b>, Doron Langberg<\/b>, Agosto Machado<\/b>, Ian Malone<\/b>, Sophie Yun Mancini<\/b>, Meredith Marks<\/b>, Matteo Mobilio<\/b>, Lilah Ramzi<\/b>, Hilary Rhoda<\/b>, Gabrielle Richardson<\/b>, Nicolaia Rips<\/b>, Haley River Smith<\/b>, C\u00e9line Semaan<\/b>, Daphne Seybold<\/b>, Priya Shukla<\/b>, Dani Stahl<\/b>, Claire Stern Milch<\/b>, Andrew Taylor<\/b>, Elise Taylor<\/b>, Kodie-Ann Walcott<\/b>, Frank Wang Yefeng<\/b> and John Wattiker<\/b>. The benefit committee roster was a similar list of dynamic young figures like Frederick Baba<\/b>, Michael Costelloe<\/b>, Jonathan Densa<\/b>, Jeremy L. Goldstein<\/b>, Casey Kohlberg<\/b>, Claire X. Lin<\/b>, Hannah Rose McNeely<\/b>, John Ng<\/b>, George Petrocheilos<\/b>, Diamantis Xylas<\/b>, Heather Ripley<\/b>, Akash Shah<\/b>, Todd White<\/b> and Cameron Carani<\/b>.<\/p>\n

Among the other notables Observer spotted during the night were media personalities such as Ariana Biermann<\/a><\/b>, Leo Braudy<\/b>, Ava Dash<\/a><\/b>, Sai De Silva<\/a><\/b>, Emira D\u2019Spain<\/a><\/b>, Erin Lichy<\/a><\/b>, Brooks Marks<\/a><\/b>, Georgia McCann<\/a><\/b>, Martha Stewart<\/a><\/b> and Jessel Taank<\/a><\/b>. The fashion world also made an appearance\u2014we spotted models Sarah Daoui<\/b>, Gabrielle Richardson<\/b>, Dylana Lim Suarez<\/a><\/b> and Natalie Lim Suarez<\/a><\/b>, as well as designers and stylists such as Alexis Badiyi<\/a><\/b>, Jennifer Fisher<\/a><\/b>, Nina Tiari<\/a><\/b> and Timo Weiland<\/a><\/b>. Among the arty types, museum supporters like Miyoung Lee<\/a><\/b> and Fern Tessler<\/a><\/b> showed up, greeted by the Whitney\u2019s Chrissie Iles<\/a><\/b> and Christiane Paul<\/a><\/b>, along with the museum\u2019s director, Scott Rothkopf<\/a><\/b>.<\/p>\n

As drinks flowed and small bites circulated, the pre-show eventually gave way to the main performance, with The Dare<\/a><\/b> taking the stage. The crowd surged forward to vibe with the singer-songwriter and producer, whose 2024 debut album, What\u2019s Wrong With New York?<\/i> cemented his breakout status.<\/p>\n

Despite arctic temperatures and the lingering impact of the snowstorm that swept through the city over the weekend, this year\u2019s Art Party guests were in it for the long haul, dancing and chatting until midnight, and reaffirming that the creative energy fueling New York is alive and well in a new generation of museum supporters<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Younger audiences have been a strategic priority for the Whitney in recent years, especially following Julie Mehretu\u2019s donation of more than $2 million<\/a>, which enabled the museum to offer free admission to visitors aged 25 and under for the next three years. As one member of the Whitney\u2019s education staff confirmed in conversation, the museum is also keenly aware of its proximity to the L train, positioning it just a short ride from the Brooklyn neighborhoods where many young creatives now live. How the Whitney not only attracts but retains this audience\u2014transforming the museum into a recurring site of cultural and human exchange and eventually encouraging philanthropic participation\u2014will play a defining role in shaping the institution\u2019s future.<\/p>\n

Steven Beltrani, Micaela Erlanger, Scott Rothkopf, Emma Safir, Ego Nwodim, Alexander Hankin and Martine Gutierrez<\/h3>\n
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Steven Beltrani, Micaela Erlanger, Scott Rothkopf, Emma Safir, Ego Nwodim, Alexander Hankin and Martine Gutierrez. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ra\u00fal de Nieves<\/h3>\n
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Ra\u00fal de Nieves. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Souleo and Beau McCall<\/h3>\n
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Souleo and Beau McCall. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Molly Krause<\/h3>\n
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Molly Krause. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hayley Riversmith, Annie Taylor and Mickey Lee<\/h3>\n
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Hayley Riversmith, Annie Taylor and Mickey Lee. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sasha Mutchnik and Ali Royals<\/h3>\n
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Sasha Mutchnik and Ali Royals. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dani Stahl, Elizabeth Kurpis, Jennifer Fisher and Steven Beltrani<\/h3>\n
\"Dani\"Dani
Dani Stahl, Elizabeth Kurpis, Jennifer Fisher and Steven Beltrani. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Arianna Biermann, Brooks Marks, Emira D\u2019spain and Ava Dash<\/h3>\n
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Arianna Biermann, Brooks Marks, Emira D\u2019spain and Ava Dash. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Dare<\/h3>\n
\"A\"A
The Dare. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nate Lewis and Onyedika Chuke<\/h3>\n
\"Two\"Two
Nate Lewis and Onyedika Chuke. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Timo Weiland<\/h3>\n
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Timo Weiland. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sasha Gordon<\/h3>\n
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Sasha Gordon. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Jessica Wang<\/h3>\n
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Jessica Wang. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Caroline Vazzana<\/h3>\n
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Caroline Vazzana. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sai De Silva<\/h3>\n
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Sai De Silva. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Claire Stern Milch<\/h3>\n
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Claire Stern Milch. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ally Shapiro<\/h3>\n
\"Ally\"Ally
Ally Shapiro. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Gabrielle Richardson<\/h3>\n
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Gabrielle Richardson. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Madeleine Chabot<\/h3>\n
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Madeleine Chabot. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Plant Kween<\/h3>\n
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Plant Kween. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Storm Ascher and Charlie Jarvis<\/h3>\n
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Storm Ascher and Charlie Jarvis. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Martha Stewart<\/h3>\n
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Martha Stewart. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ryan Jamaal Swain<\/h3>\n
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Ryan Jamaal Swain. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Elise Taylor, Lilah Ramzi, Ian Malone and Molly Krause<\/h3>\n
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Elise Taylor, Lilah Ramzi, Ian Malone and Molly Krause. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Natalie Lim Suarez and Dylana Lim Suarez<\/h3>\n
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Natalie Lim Suarez and Dylana Lim Suarez. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Jake Dietrich<\/h3>\n
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Jake Dietrich. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Anwarii Musa and Zhanna Ter-Zakaryan<\/h3>\n
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Anwarii Musa and Zhanna Ter-Zakaryan. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

David Lisbon, Katie Fong and Karinne Smith.<\/h3>\n
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David Lisbon, Katie Fong and Karinne Smith. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nancy Moore and Ansley Williams.<\/h3>\n
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Nancy Moore and Ansley Williams. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beau McCall<\/h3>\n
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Beau McCall. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tinu Naija and Dustin Pittman<\/h3>\n
\"Tinu\"Tinu
Tinu Naija and Dustin Pittman. Jason Lowrie\/BFA.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\t\t\t\t\"Inside<\/p><\/div>\n