An Artsy Affair

Artists and art aficionados regaled at an H St. atrium for the Washington Project for the Arts’ 35th annual Auction Gala, which showcased local artists and their artwork.

THE PARTY Going once, going twice! The WPA’s most highly anticipated and principal fundraising event of the year, the Auction Gala exhibited more than 100 works by emerging and established artists to be sold in a silent auction. The event, which included an open bar and a specialty-curated dinner by Kent Smith and Design Cuisine, benefitted local artists and the WPA. Guests sipped on a strawberry specialty cocktail made with Green Hat gin while they enjoyed the art and live DJ.

THE PEOPLE More than 650 artists, collectors and art professionals came out to celebrate. Notable guests included Earl and Amanda Stafford, distinguished art patrons; Mike Hickok and Yolanda Cole of Hickok Cole, architects of the new NPR headquarters; Danny Simmons, founder of Def Poetry Jam and brother of Rev Run, Russell Simmons. The event was co-chaired by Jessica Stafford Davis, Aayanna Dunn, Frederick P. Ognibene, MD, and Judy J. Sherman.

BEST IN SHOW Local event designer, André Wells, showcased a vibrant and interactive display, featuring live models in full-body paint. Calder Brannock, another DC artist, presented a twenty-foot chandelier comprised of construction wood, lights and rubber pigeons. The event raised over $300,000 to support the WPA’s mission to promote local artists’ and their work.

Photography by Mohammed Sanoon