Saks and Art Production Fund Raise $850,000 for Public Art

Is it possible to go “overboard” on fundraising? On March 14, the public art nonprofit teamed up with Saks to present a nautical-themed benefit devoted to expanding public art in New York City and beyond. Highlights of the night included its setting at the city’s storied Seagram building, as well as a Champagne Lallier installation by Laila Gohar. Attendees were treated to a special performance commissioned specifically for the evening: the “Visiting Hours” by Philadelphian filmmaker and artist Shikeith. An auction led by Sara Friedlander, Christie’s deputy chairman of Post-War and Contemporary art, with additional support from Uovo, played a pivotal role in the evening’s philanthropic success. Notables in attendance included Yvonne Force Villareal, Doreen Remen, Olivia Wilde, Diana Agron, Huma Abedin, Paul Arnhold, Wes Gordon, Diana Louise Bartlett, Stacey Bendet, Isolde Brielmaier, Hank Willis Thomas, Jennifer Fisher, Hannah Traore, and more. Photos by Yvonne Tnt, Deonté Lee, and Nel Rasmus/BFA.