A Lush Oasis at Public Art Fund’s Spring Benefit

On May 2, Public Art Fund hosted its annual spring benefit to celebrate the organization’s past, present, and future of bringing dynamic artworks to the public. The occasion transformed New York’s Metropolitan Pavilion into a fantasy greenhouse awash with overgrown foliage designed by Putnam & Putnam, where guests enjoyed festive cakes by Yvette Mayorga and banners adorned with prompts from beloved children’s storybooks by Typoe. After a seated dinner organized by BITE, guests enjoyed a DJ set from Aidan Noell of Nation of Language, a mezcal tasting bar by Yola, and experimental cotton candy stems created by Bad Taste by Jen Monroe. A silent auction raised more than $1.1 million to support Public Art Fund’s mission. Notable guests include Paul Rudd, Fred Eversley, Hugh Hayden, Jacolby Satterwhite, Jordan Nassar, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Susan K. Freedman, Nicholas Baume, and more. Photos by Liz Ligon and Brendon Cook/BFA.