300 guests joined The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield, CT to celebrate its 60th Anniversary Gala. This event was the Museum’s most successful fundraiser on record and honored Trustee and Chair Emeritus Eric Diefenbach and artist Loie Hollowell, with remarks by the Museum’s Chief Curator Amy Smith-Stewart, Creative Capital Founding Director Ruby Lerner, and designer Alexander Julian.

The evening began with cocktails at The Aldrich featuring Litchfield Distillery spirits and Elevated Seltzers by oHHo. Guests were able to view exhibitions by Loie Hollowell, Layo Bright, Elizabeth Englander, and Amanda Martinez.

Celebrations continued at the Yanity Gymnasium where Cheer New York cheerleaders greeted guests. Cocktails and dinner were catered by Canard, Inc. featuring a seasonal springtime spread.

Dancer and choreographer Stephen Petronio performed an original piece to Rufus Wainwright’s “Across the Universe” on stage and through the audience.

Notable guests included Governor Ned Lamont, Dick Cavett, First Selectman Rudy Marconi, State Representative Keith Denning, Lisa Phillips, and artists Layo Bright, Elizabeth Englander, Rudy Shepherd, Hope Gangloff, James Prosek, Karla Knight, Renee Cox, B. Wurtz, Nickola Pottinger, Tony Matelli, Mamie Tinkler, Ester Ruiz, and Kate Gilmore.

The second act of the program opened with remarks by Board Chair Diana Bowes followed by a live auction and hand raise in support of the Museum’s Education programming led by Betsy Alexandre from Christie’s.

The Museum would like to extend its gratitude to all who attended and supported the Gala in addition to sponsors Christie’s, Meadow Ridge, Freixenet Mionetto, oHHo, Litchfield Distillery, and Connecticut Cottages& Gardens (CTC&G).

Image credit: Matt Borkowski/BFA