The Art Students League hosted its annual Dream Ball on Saturday, June 1, 2024, a bacchanal-inspired celebration with costumes, cocktails, music, and dancing. Over 400 guests attended the event throughout the League’s landmark building on W 57th Street to support its mission to make fine art education accessible to all.

For one night only, the League's Vanderbilt Gallery was transformed into an Enchanted Ballroom and disco where guests danced to music by DJ Black Helmet and enjoyed sultry burlesque performances by Syn Sultress and Aquarius Moon. The acclaimed drag legend Murray Hill emceed a costume parade and contest after handing out golden tickets to guests dressed for the theme of ‘Maximalist Fairytale’. Prizes were awarded for the most creative looks with the grand prize including a gift certificate provided by Dream Ball partner Nordstrom.

The League further transformed its historic home with themed rooms created by its visionary students and members including The Mushroom Grove, were party goers could stop for a quick snack and refreshments by Just Ice Tea beneath giant mushrooms and sparkling pine trees, The Dark Arts Studio, a haunted twist on a classic League drawing studio where attendees chose to play the role of artist or muse and get their portrait drawn or photo taken, and The Siren's Cavern, staged to mimic the deep sea home of mermaids and sea witches where guests could receive a tarot card reading and pose with our deep sea art installations.

Image credit: Deonté Lee/BFA