A Costume Contest Showdown at the Art Students League Gala

On June 1, more than 400 practicing artists, patrons, and educators took to the Art Students League of New York’s landmark 57th Street headquarters for the organization’s annual Dream Ball. There, its Vanderbilt Gallery was transformed to host a different kind of show: Burlesque performances by Syn Sultress and Aquarius Moon. And, in a departure from the typical gala program of cocktails, dinner, and dancing, the League hosted a costume contest for those who went above and beyond in dressing to the night’s theme of Maximalist Fairytale. After the winners and their prize of a gift card from event partner Nordstrom were announced, attendees enjoyed a set by DJ Black Helmet and explored the themed rooms decorated by League students. Notables in attendance included: JiaJia Fei, Madhu Powar Garg, Nadja Sayej, Ricardo Woo, Murray Hill, Eva Avenue, Jack Howard-Potter, Erica Howard-Potter, and more. Photo credit: Deonté Lee/BFA.