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(New York, NY) The American Folk Art Museum hosted its 60th Anniversary Benefit Gala at Gotham Hall on April 7, 2022. The event honored artists Bisa Butler, KAWS, and Faith Ringgold. Joyce Berger Cowin was honored as the most generous supporter in AFAM’s 60-year history. The event raised over 475,000.00 for the Museum’s programs, exhibitions, and educational initiatives.
“This event will go down in the books as one of the most successful benefit galas we have hosted,” said Karley Klopfenstein, AFAM’s Chief Development Officer. “It was our honor to salute three of the most innovative and inspiring artists of our time, as well as celebrate Joyce Berger Cowin as the most generous philanthropist in AFAM’s history, and our six decades as New York City’s only Museum devoted to folk and self-taught artists.”
Over 300 people attended the event including Bisa Butler, KAWS, John McEnroe, Serena Altschul, Jean Shafiroff, Miss Info, Lee Quinones, Erik Parker, Shaniqua Jarvis, Joe Coleman, Jerry Lauren, Dr. Lisa Farrington, Max Anderson, Stephanie Stebich, Elizabeth V. Warren, Laura Parsons, Audrey B. Heckler, Lucy and Mike Danziger, Barbara Gordon, Brett Robbins, Gail Wright Sirmans, Laurent Delly, Anne Radice, Andrew Edlin, and Matthew Higgs. Entertainment was provided by DJ Prince Hakim.
Jean Shafiroff, a member of the Gala Benefit Committee, commented: “I was delighted to support this wonderful evening for the American Folk Art Museum. I congratulate all the honorees and thank all the others who worked so hard to make tonight a success!”
About the American Folk Art Museum
The American Folk Art Museum engages people of all backgrounds through its collections, exhibitions, publications, and programs as the leading forum shaping the understanding and appreciation of folk and self-taught art across time and place.