On October 15, the Barnes Foundation hosted its annual Barnes Art Ball, in-person at the Philadelphia institution. Raising funds for the foundation’s educational and community art programs, the 2021 iteration of the benefit honored the late French artist and model Suzanne Valadon with an evening conceived around the ongoing exhibition, “Suzanne Valadon: Model, Painter, Rebel.”

“For this year’s Barnes Art Ball, we are thrilled to gather safely in person with our incredible community of patrons and supporters to celebrate Suzanne Valadon, a truly remarkable and underexplored artist,” said Nina Diefenbach, senior vice president, deputy director for advancement at the foundation. “We are activating our expansive indoor and outdoor spaces, including the gardens and covered West Terrace, for a night of diverse and dynamic creative experiences inspired by Valadon’s incredible life and work.”

Partygoers were welcomed at the venue with an outdoor aerial performance by the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, inspired by the Valadon’s time spent with Cirque Molier. Once inside, music by the vocalist and songwriter Laurin Talese set the mood, as names like Aileen and Brian Roberts, Sueyun Locks, Helen Drutt-English, Lyn Ross, Dara Haskins, and Zane Booker arrived, catching a first glimpse at special décor referencing Valadon’s groundbreaking work—including a floral installation by Jessica Mader of Society Blooms, and a film and photography installation from Roni Nicole Henderson-Day.

After being treated to an after-hours view of the exhibition—which is the first presentation of Valadon’s work at a major U.S. arts institution, curated by Nancy Ireson to highlight the artist’s contributions to the 20^th-century art world—attendees enjoyed bites by Constellation Culinary Group’s chef Anita Hirsch, closing out the evening with music from DJs Oluwafemi and Aura. The celebrations were completed the following morning, marking the close of a successful fundraiser with the more intimate Artful Champagne brunch.

Suzanne Valadon

Barnes Art Ball 2021 Celebrates Suzanne Valadon