Celestial Splendor Inside the Parrish Art Museum’s $1.4M Midsummer Gala

In an unforgettable convergence of art, elegance, and generosity, the Parrish Art Museum welcomed more than 720 esteemed guests on Saturday, July 19 for its most anticipated annual benefit: the 2025 Midsummer Gala, themed Echoes of the Cosmos. Under a star-drenched Hamptons sky, the evening raised nearly $1.4 million in support of the Museum’s exhibitions, educational initiatives, and inclusive programming—marking a significant  milestone for the cultural cornerstone of the East End.

Held throughout the Museum’s sprawling terraces, meadows, and architectural interiors, the gala offered an experience that was both intimate and radiant. From custom cocktails to collector cars and choreographed performance, every detail reflected the Museum’s mission to merge creativity, community, and world-class artistry.

Honoring Cultural Catalysts

The evening’s program honored five visionaries who exemplify artistic impact and philanthropic excellence.

Executive Director Mónica Ramírez-Montagut recognized artists Sanford Biggers, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, and Nina Yankowitz for their boundary-pushing contributions to contemporary art, each with practices spanning painting, sculpture, video, sound, and immersive installation. “We celebrate the artistic vision and bold innovation of Sanford, Nina, and Rafael each of whom continues to inspire our community through their extraordinary work,” said Ramírez-Montagut.

Also honored were longtime patrons Sandy and Stephen Perlbinder, who have played a foundational role in the Parrish’s evolution through decades of leadership and giving. “Sandy and Stephen embody the essence of arts patrons: deeply engaged, endlessly curious, and unwavering in their support,” said Ramírez-Montagut. “It is a profound privilege to honor their legacy.”

A Night to Remember and Give Back

The gala’s fundraising centerpiece a dynamic paddle raise led by Kimberly Pirtle Gabriel of Sotheby’s—helped drive support for two flagship initiatives:

ACCESS PARRISH, which creates personalized art experiences for individuals with disabilities, neurological conditions, or chronic illness, including Alzheimer’s, autism, cancer, and Parkinson’s

Artscope: Teen Council, a mentorship program introducing high school students to the professional arts ecosystem

As the Museum’s single largest annual fundraiser, the Gala not only supports its year-round operations, but also fuels its continued commitment to inclusion and community connection through art.

Craftsmanship on Display: Hedley Studios Collaboration

Guests arriving at cocktail hour were greeted by a dazzling outdoor installation of limited-edition electric collector cars from Hedley Studios a house of modern automotive artistry and one of the evening’s Presenting Sponsors.

Founder Ben Hedley shared the studio’s enthusiasm: “What an honor it is for Hedley Studios to be at The Parrish Museum and present our classic car recreations in the presence of such accomplished artists and this very generous community… It’s an inspiration for our own work, bringing legacy craftsmanship to a new generation.”

The cars, drivable works of art, were displayed on the Museum’s meadows, and echoed the event’s theme of timeless elegance and bold design.

Dining, Dancing, and Distinction

Guests were treated to an exquisite sunset dinner on the Mildred C. Brinn Terrace, followed by the Afterglow Dance Party, where DJ Inflyt kept the Lichtenstein Theater alive with energy late into the night. Throughout the evening, acclaimed Parsons Dance performed site-specific works, offering a contemporary counterpoint to the evening’s elegant ambiance.

Signature cocktails and tastings were provided by Casa Dragones Tequila, who returned as a Presenting Sponsor alongside Northern Trust and Hedley Studios.

The event was expertly stewarded by Dinner Chair Charlotte Lucas Pilaro and Afterglow Chair Laurence Milstein, with support from Host Committee members including Elizabeth and David Granville-Smith, Alexandra Stanton, Yanina Fuertes, and Frederic M. Seegal.

An Influential Guest List

The evening brought together a remarkable cross-section of the art world, cultural leadership, and civic society. Among those in attendance were:

Artists: Sanford Biggers, Eric Fischl, April Gornik, Sheree Hovsepian, Rashid Johnson, Michelle Stuart, Mickalene Thomas, Shantell Martin, Sean Scully, Nina Yankowitz, Arcmanoro Niles, and Joan Semmel

Cultural and civic figures: Erin Burnett, Steve Israel, Sandra Lee, Bertha González Nieves, John Paulson, Casey Fremont, Ramona Singer, Joey Wölffer, Nina Sarin, and Mayor William Manger Jr.

The Museum’s Board of Trustees, led by Co-Chairs Frederic M. Seegal and Alexandra Stanton, Vice President Sandy Perlbinder, and Secretary Martha McLanahan, was present in full force, reflecting the enduring leadership that continues to propel the Parrish into the next era of artistic innovation.

Support and Sponsorship

The Gala was made possible through the generous backing of:

Presenting Sponsors: Casa Dragones Tequila, Hedley Studios, Northern Trust

Additional Sponsors: Crozier Fine Arts, MAVIK, Wells Group, Greenberg Traurig, Wölffer Estate Vineyard, Campari Group, Lisson Gallery, Verity Investigative Group, and more.

A Vision Made Real

“It’s been a joy to support the Parrish Art Museum this summer from the Midsummer Gala to the Sean Scully exhibition as part of our shared commitment to expanding creative opportunity and building community through the arts,” said Jennifer Smith, Senior Managing Director at Northern Trust.

With creativity in motion, patrons united, and millions raised for meaningful impact, the 2025 Midsummer Gala did more than dazzle—it reaffirmed the Parrish’s role as a beacon of culture and catalyst for change on the East End and far beyond.