Bottega Veneta Presents the Hammer Museum’s Garden Party

Photo Credit: BFA

On Saturday, October 8, 2016, the Hammer Museum welcomed cultural and civic leaders, artists, collectors, patrons of the arts, and entertainment world notables to the 14th annual Gala in the Garden. The Gala raised over $2 million to support the Hammer’s dynamic and nationally acclaimed exhibitions and public programs. Returning for the fourth year, Bottega Veneta partnered with the Hammer Museum to present this year’s Gala in the Garden, celebrating both artists and creative expression in Los Angeles.

Photo Credit: Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Hammer Museum

Nearly 600 guests attended the Gala—held in the Museum’s outdoor courtyard—which honored artist Laurie Anderson and filmmaker Todd Haynes with tribute speeches by Norwegian author Karl Ove Knausgaard and Emmy-winning actress Sarah Paulson. Singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright performed “Candles,” “The Art Teacher,” and “Going to a Town.” Event co-chairs included Jodie Foster and Alexandra Hedison, Robert Soros, and Bottega Veneta Creative Director Tomas Maier. The menu for the seated dinner was created by Suzanne Goin of Lucques.

Photo Credit: BFA

Maier and Hammer Museum Director Ann Philbin, wearing a Bottega Veneta suit, greeted guests who support the creative community at the Hammer including UCLA Chancellor Gene Block,  Supervisor Mark Ridley Thomas, Paul McCarthy, Kim Gordon, January Jones, Will Ferrell, Mark Bradford, Patricia Arquette, Elizabeth Chambers, Emma Roberts, Selma Blair, Amanda Peet, Sterling Ruby, Alessandra Ambrosio, Laura Dern, Mamie Gummer, Minnie Driver, Isabel Lucas, Liz Goldwyn,  Tom Ford, Joel McHale, Andie MacDowell, Frances Stark, and Njideka Akunyili Crosby.

Photo Credit: BFA

The evening began with cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres on the third-floor terrace overlooking a courtyard installation of lanterns by Pedro&Juana, a studio from Mexico City founded by designers Ana Paula Ruiz Galindo and Mecky Reuss. During the dinner remarks, Ann Philbin praised the many accomplishments of gala honorees Laurie Anderson and Todd Haynes and guests watched tribute videos by Joni Sighvatsson. Karl Ove Knausgaard spoke of his great admiration of Anderson as an artist whose voice is at the heart of her work. In lieu of a traditional speech, Anderson performed an instrumental and vocal political piece. Sarah Paulson honored Haynes with a thoroughly researched tribute and he spoke of a culture-rich childhood in Los Angeles that included theaters, playhouses, and museums.