Bronx Museum of the Arts Hosts Its Annual Visionary Duos Gala 

Though the Bronx Museum of the Arts hosted its Annual Visionary Duos Gala in the central Manhattan location of Bowery’s Capitale, last night was all about the Bronx. The museum’s largest fundraiser of the year drew a large, eclectic crowd that was anything but shy when it came to flaunting theatrical attire. Guests from all sorts of industries—politics, art, medicine, finance—intermingled with one another during the cocktail hour while indulging in passed hors d’oeuvres.

Champagne in hand, guests perused the lots up for auction; would it be a ticket to the Billboard awards that would push a hefty donation to the museum? Or what about a pair to SNL? An immersive art installation by Lucia Hierro offered a small photo-op moment for guests who might have been deciding between the Zebra Striped Versace Icon bag or a rare lady Dior bag.

For dinner, gala-goers were then ushered into the grand ballroom of the venue, where each table was adorned with unique centerpieces by over 30 of the museum’s AIM artists and floral designs by John Goodman. As everyone finally took their seats, artist Maluca further set the tone of the night in an amped-up performance that mixed Latin and house beats, which vividly resonated with the night’s guests. But just as much as the Bronx knows fun, its residents surely know when to give credit where credit is due. Thus, the night’s sole purpose was to honor a select group of people who continue to contribute to the Bronx community.

“We’re thrilled to honor a group of visionaries whose dedication to the Bronx community is insurmountable,” said museum board chair Joseph Mizzi as he welcomed guests.

Each award of the night—Vanguard, Trailblazer, Art and Social Justice, and Visionary—was first introduced by a large, projected video documenting the winners and their specialized crafts.

A family affair took center stage, as U.S. congressman Jose E. Serrano and his son, State Senator José M. Serrano, were presented with the Vanguard award. Secondly, the Trailblazer Award was set in the hands of sculpturist Diana Al-Hadid and Architect Jon Lott. Tony Award–nominated actress Kathleen Chalfant and street artist Henry Chalfant claimed the Art and Social Justice Awards.

For the grand finale, comedic duo Daniel “Desus” Baker and Joel “Mero” Martinez received the Visionary Award.

In his Black Fendi top, Desus started his acceptance speech with an anecdote from the past. “I remember taking a field trip to the museum in the third grade,” he began. “It feels full-circle. As a little kid, I never thought that I’d be honored and it really feels like we’ve made it.”

Additionally, Mero had his own words to capture the moment. “This means more than any Emmy, or Oscar, or whatever. That may be the house wine talking, but when you get recognized by your home borough, your home people, it means more than anything in the world.”

Following the awards, the home stretch of fundraising took place, and Young Paris filled the end of the night with an electrifying Afrobeat performance. Earlier, Mero had said, “We have to establish that the Bronx is the best borough!” The night certainly did its part.