A Celebration of Legacy, Art, and Latinx Cultural Stewardship in the Heart of Manhattan
In a night that blended elegance, cultural reverence, and philanthropic impact, El Museo del Barrio’s 2025 Gala honored the late Tony Bechara—an iconic artist, visionary, and longtime patron of the arts—with the Excellence in the Arts and Outstanding Patron Award. Held on June 11 at The Pool in the Seagram Building, the gala welcomed New York’s cultural and philanthropic elite to celebrate a legacy that shaped the very foundation of Latinx art in America.
The evening raised an impressive $1.1 million in support of El Museo’s exhibitions, education programs, and the ongoing preservation of its permanent collection—affirming the institution’s critical role as the nation’s leading Latinx and Latin American museum.
A Tribute Befitting a Cultural Titan
Bechara, who passed away earlier this year, was not just an acclaimed painter with works in the collections of the Met and El Museo itself—he was a tireless advocate for culture. His nearly two-decade leadership on El Museo’s Board, including 15 years as Chair, helped elevate the institution into an internationally respected museum.
“Tony’s legacy will continue not just through what he created on canvas—but through what he built for generations to come,” said Executive Director Patrick Charpenel. “We miss him deeply and celebrate him with immense gratitude.”
The gala featured a moving tribute video that included remarks from U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, who praised Bechara’s relentless dedication to New York’s cultural life: “Tony loved his community, this city, and this museum. It is one of the many things we have in common.”
A Night of Culture and Influence
Guests were treated to a stunning musical performance by Puerto Rican opera sensation Larisa Martínez, followed by a stirring poem read by U.S. Presidential Inaugural Poet Richard Blanco. The energy peaked during a Sotheby’s-led auction featuring over 25 works from leading Latin American and Latinx artists, with proceeds directly supporting El Museo’s mission.
El Museo’s signature hospitality included a curated cocktail experience by Dobel Tequila, culminating in a celebratory toast featuring their limited-edition Extra Añejo release: Atelier Animales Endémicos Edition.
Karla Harwich, Désirée la Valette
The Art World’s Who’s Who
The Gala Chairs reflected the depth of support for the institution, including Estrellita and Daniel Brodsky, Victoria Espinosa, Agnes Gund, Karla Harwich, Karla Martinez de Salas, María Eugenia Maury, Yolanda Santos, and Désirée von la Valette. The room glowed with luminaries such as Jean Shafiroff, Barbara Tober, Isaac Hernandez, Juana Burga, Thelma Golden, Ana Navarro, and Naomi Beckwith.
“Like so many of you here tonight, I held a deep admiration and respect for Tony—his vision, his generosity, and his unwavering dedication to El Museo and our community,” said Karla Harwich, Chair of the Board of Trustees.
A Living Legacy
Bechara’s contributions go far beyond his renowned pointillist works. He was a board member of BAM, Instituto Cervantes, and Studio in a School, and received a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship in 1980. Solo exhibitions and international acclaim followed, but it was his quiet, consistent leadership in building institutions that truly set him apart.
“El Museo is the house that Tony helped build,” noted several attendees—many of whom consider him a mentor and friend.
Looking Forward
With renewed energy and critical funding raised, El Museo del Barrio continues to serve as a beacon for Latinx and Latin American art. Its 2025 Gala not only honored the memory of one of its founding giants—it reinforced the power of cultural institutions to transform lives and communities.
For more information, visit www.elmuseo.org or follow @elmuseo on social media.
