The District That Inspires®

May 21, 2015

Madison Square Park Conservancy Celebrates Success with “Party in the Park”

On May 18th, the Madison Square Park Conservancy celebrated another successful year of park programming with its annual benefit.  Unbelievably, this year’s gala, entitled Party in the Park, was the first gala the Conservancy has ever held in the park. It was a tremendous success both in terms of fun and fundraising.

This year’s festivities paid tribute to art collector and philanthropist Toby Devan Lewis for her commitment to the contemporary art community in NoMad and beyond. She served for more than 20 years as curator for the Progressive Corporation in Cleveland, acquiring more than 6,300 works during her tenure. She has won multiple prizes for distinguished service to the arts, and RISD has a fellowship award in her honor.

400 guests were in attendance, including many of the alumni artists whose work has been shown in the park’s highly acclaimed public art series. Every artist who has shown work in the park over the last 15 years was invited.

Food was curated by some of the favorite chefs in the neighborhood to fit the season.  There was an unusual selection of hors d’oeuvres by Philippe Massoud of ilili, a flavorful first course by Ty Hatfield of Momofuku, an incredible lamb entree by Nick Anderer of Maialino and Marta, and an unusual, delicious corn dessert by Enrique Olvera of Cosme.

See below for highlights of the beautiful event.

MSPC Founder Bill Lukashok, Executive Director Keats Myer and Board Chair David Berliner

madison square park conservancy party in the park © Astrid Stawiarz – Courtesy of Madison Square Park Conservancy

Artist Teresita Fernández

Fata Morgana in Madison Square Park © Taylor Hill – Courtesy of Madison Square Park Conservancy

Alumni Artist Leo Villareal and wife Yvonne Force Villareal

Madison Square Park annual benefit gala © Taylor Hill – Courtesy of Madison Square Park Conservancy

Keats Myer and David Berliner present Toby Devan Lewis with award designed by Alumni Artist Paula Hayes

Madison Square Park Conservancy Party in the Park © Astrid Stawiarz – Courtesy of Madison Square Park Conservancy

Cocktail Hour

Hors d'Oeuvres by Phillip Massous of ilili © Astrid Stawiarz – Courtesy of Madison Square Park Conservancy

Dinner

Madison Square Park gala dinner by Momofuku © Astrid Stawiarz – Courtesy of Madison Square Park Conservancy