To commemorate its 75th anniversary, The Glass House hosted its annual summer party in New Canaan, CT on June 8. The gorgeous day celebrated The Glass Houses’ values to bring together art, design, and community. Presented with support by MaxMara, Aesop, Design Within Reach, and Land Rover Darien, the day hosted avocations across the site for guests to explore to enjoy performances—from dance performances choreographed by Brendan Fernandes and a DJ set by Rachel Winters to an art auction by Artsy, refreshing cocktails from Belle Glos, Elouan, Greenology, and Litchfield Distillery, and a picnic catered from New Canaan restaurant Elm.
“The Glass House Summer Party took place on one of the most beautiful days of the year. We could not have asked for a better day to celebrate 75 years of architecture, art, culture, fashion, and design,” said Kirsten Reoch, Glass House Executive Director, “The crowd was a lively mix of friends from New York City, neighbors from New Canaan, international artists, and modernist architecture fans from all over. It was my first Summer Party here, and I cannot imagine how we will ever top this!”
Shannon Bates, Nikki Glaser, Cas Friese shot by BFA
The Glass House Benefit Auction with Artsy
The day began with the 2024 Summer Party Benefit Auction hosted by Artsy, leading to excitement from guests as they discovered artwork for sale under the tent. Highlights from the auction were pieces sold from artists including Tyler Hays, Annie Leibovitz, Tom Otterness, Cindy Sherman, and Pierre Yovanovitch. The proceeds from this auction went fully to The Glass House site to continue to help support the preservation of this beautiful property.
The Brick House Provided By The Glass House
The Reopening of The Brick House
Special for the day was the reopening of The Brick House—Philip Johnson and David Whitney’s guest home on the same grounds—after 17 years, following extensive renovations designed by Ed Ruscha. The new artwork Ruscha created for the event entitled, Glass House 2024, was inspired by the ever-changing environment of the 1949 Glass House and its “reflections and shadows from glass windows to door.” The Glass House is honored to host Ruscha as the Summer Party artist as his work once hung in the Brick House.
MaxMara and Aesop’s Shopping Activations
Throughout the day, MaxMara offered a memorable alfresco shopping activation that featured their new Spring/Summer 2024 Collection and finished with special mementos, a photo moment, and cold treats. Guests were then treated with a custom-designed MaxMara tote filled with gifts. Aesop encouraged guests to “Be Nosey” in their Garden Spritz fragrance activation that left guests delighted exploring their tables of products and the grounds around which included the Pond Pavilion that hosted the exhibit Shigeru Ban: The Paper Log House.
Brendan Fernandes shot by BFA
A Day of Performances, Food, and Cocktails at The Glass House
Brendan Fernandes throughout the day led choreographed performances with his team of dancers to the music of DJ Rachel Winters. Fernandes is an internationally recognized artist based in Chicago, known for his work at the intersection of dance and visual arts addressing the issues of race, queer culture, migration, and protest throughout his performances. Winters is a New York City-based DJ known for her dynamic presence and versatile talent, she set the mood for the day and spun a chilly summer vibe for guests to soul.
Guests enjoyed a picnic basket lunch from local restaurant Elm that brought dishes inspired by the flavors of the season. Relaxing on furniture by Design Within Reach, guests relished in fine wine from Belle Glos and Elouan, and refreshing cocktails from Greenology and Litchfield Distillery. The Glass Houses 2024 Summer Party emerged all aspects of the arts into one day to celebrate renowned artists and brands for the 75 celebration leaving guests for more.
Andrea Attkiss, Isiah Magsino, Lizzi Bickford Meadow, Amanda Mintz shot by BFA
