Free Arts NYC’s Annual Gala Toasts Futura and the Future

On June 8, New York’s creative sphere showed up for Free Arts NYC’s 23rd Annual Art Auction, the arts organization’s largest fundraising gala, at the Altman Building in Chelsea. Honoring legendary New York artist Futura, the event was presented by his peer and fashion designer Marc Jacobs with support from streetwear label Supreme. The evening raised $1.2 million and announced a new scholarship program in Futura’s honor, called “The Futura for the Future Scholarship Fund,” that aims to empower youth in underserved communities through mentoring programs. Guests sipped on cocktails by Johnnie Walker Blue Label before enjoying a performance by bassist Matthew Jamal and browsing the vast selection of artworks by Eric Haze, KAWS, and Ed Ruscha up for grabs. Notable attendees included Julia Fox, Richie Shazam, Alastair McKimm, Rosie Perez, and Raul Lopez. Photos by Aria Isadora and Mike Vitelli/BFA.