The Parrish Art Museum Fêted 125 Years With a Little Midsummer Magic

It’s hard to believe that summer is halfway over, but The Parrish Art Museum sent a much-needed reminder to cherish and enjoy the season’s last days by naming its annual fundraiser Midsummer Magic.

The highlights of the evening were magical indeed, especially since this year marks the 125th anniversary of the Watermill, NY-based museum. This year’s celebration honored Katharina Otto-Bernstein, Fred and Robin Seegal, and artists Eddie Martinez, Sam Moyer, and Hank Willis Thomas. You can find their work all on display in the Artists Choose Parrish exhibition, which celebrates the museum’s anniversary. Guests from across the art, fashion, and business world gathered on the lawn behind the museum to enjoy a sunset cocktail. While attendees sipped on Wolffer wine and Patron, there was a host of models posing in the fields wearing looks from the resort 2024 collection by Max Mara, a sponsor of the evening. The lineup of embroidered floral pieces was actually inspired by the seven wildflowers of the romantic Scandinavian Midsummer tradition.

As guests like Jessica Wang and Sai De Silva made their way over to the dining area, which included more than 40 tables adorned with a bright mix of pink and purple bouquets, violinist Natie kept the spirited evening going with upbeat tunes. Dr. Mónica Ramírez-Montagut welcomed everyone before introducing us to the Parrish trustees and dinner co-chairs Aliya LeeKong and Deborah F. Bancroft. The highlight of the evening came with the main entree—an opportunity for guests to make a financial pledge to support the museum’s educational initiatives, which help provide access and opportunities to youths and adults in need. The results? More than $1.2 million was raised during the multi-event celebration.

Once the final donation was placed and dessert was served, guests made their way to the dance floor, where DJ M.O.S. took the celebration to new heights with a medley of rhythmic hits. Several attendees gathered in the same place the day before for an equally as festive Midsummer dance co-hosted by Ivy Getty and Laurence Milstein.

See all of the magical moments ahead.