Tumblr Toasts Derrick Adams to Kick Off Frieze New York

On May 2, Tumblr hosted an intimate dinner at the Public Hotel to celebrate the accomplishments of artist Derrick Adams. It turns out the artist has much to celebrate: Besides debuting a quickly sold-out solo showcase with Vigo Gallery at Frieze New York, Adams saw his work prominently featured on a recent episode of Empire. In collaboration with Tumblr and Public Hotels, the artist celebrated his big week at the Bowery Garden with a dinner attended by notables such as Mickalene Thomas, Pari Ehsan, Shantell Martin, and Maxwell Osborne. “You know you made it when you're surrounded by friends and wonderful people that you love,” Adams said during a toast, “and someone else is picking up the bill!” Afterward, guests ventured upstairs for a rooftop fête with music by Holy Ghost and April Hunt during the hotel's seasonal rooftop opening. Photos by Jocko Graves/BFA.