An All-Night Bacchanal for Fine Art Education

On May 20, the Art Students League of New York hosted its annual Dream Ball—a bacchanal of costumes, cocktails, music, and dancing—to support its mission of making fine art education accessible to all. The League’s Vanderbilt Gallery Ballroom was transformed into a disco for the evening with music by DJ Black Helmet and featured sultry burlesque performances by Cassandra Rosebeetle and Miss Syn Sultress. Special guest judge Murray Hill wandered the crowd handing out golden tickets to guests dressed for the theme of “Masquerade of Your Wildest Dreams,” selecting participants for the costume parade and contest emceed by artist Guy Richards Smit. Prizes were then awarded for creative outfits, including gift certificates provided by Nordstrom, a Dream Ball sponsor. Notable attendees include Nadja Sayej, David Marchi, Elton Ilirjani, Olga Ferrara, and more. Photos by Cara Friedman and Rupert Ramsay/BFA.