Creative Time Spring Gala 2017 Celebrates Carol Lim and Humberto Leon

“Creative Time and Opening Ceremony share the same values—making art accessible, giving artists new opportunities, and amplifying artists voices,” said Leon.

The event kicked off with a cocktail reception, complete with ice sculptures by Jordan Wolfson carefully placed throughout the space. For the bar, Bombay Sapphire’s North American Ambassador Gary Hayward designed a special spirits menu, featuring special crafted cocktails like: the “Bombay Bubble Bath” inspired by the history of making gin in bathtubs in the late 1600s, and served to guests in a small bathtub made of ice; and “The Emperor Strikes Back” inspired by Emperor Shun Nung’s discovery of tea in 2732 B.C., and made with the use of white tea, Asian pear, coconut water, Asian pear, and xanthan gum powder.

“When art is created, but sectioned off and reserved for the elite, new voices does not get to the table, new visions are not shared, public conversations do not take place, and our artistic world does not feel complete,” said Lim of the artistic world’s changing times. Her realistic yet optimistic speech transitioned the night into a celebration, full of creativity and a delicious meal.

The night also marked the unveiling of “Pledges of Allegiance,” Creative Time’s new project featuring 16 artist-created flags that speak to issues they are particularly passionate about. Five flags were auctioned off to support the organization, including those created by Marilyn Minter, Vik Muniz, Trevor Paglen, Pedro Reyes, and Rirkrit Tiravanija. Guests also indulged in a menu created by Mission Chinese Chef Angela Dimayuga, where a melting pot of flavors was created with spices, vegetables, dips, and salted fish.

After dinner, attendees like Chloë Sevigny, Waris Ahluwalia, Mia Moretti, Lily Kwong, Chloe Wise, Kate Greer, Nanette Lepore, Kara Walker, and Wes Gordon danced into the night, with cocktails and specially-made ice cream in hand.