Philadelphia’s Barnes Foundation Centennial Art Ball was Stunning

“Nude with Coral Necklace” by Amedeo Modigliani, 1917.

“Modigliani Morning”

her external motor, brash,
she was more New York
than Paris, but then,
Rome was inside her
speaking words
passionately
like Modigliani — LadyLabyrinth

Story, photos by Sharon Kozden

On Friday, October 20th, the Barnes Foundation will present its 2023 Art Ball, an annual event that more than lives up to its billing as the art party in Philadelphia.

This I know because I’ve twice been fortunate to attend, hosted on assignment for ExplorewithCassie. Most recently I made the scene in 2022, when the Barnes Foundation marked both their centennial and a ten-year anniversary on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Last year, a formidable group of creatives that included artists, philanthropists and collectors … as well as anyone on the artsy spectrum from curious to connoisseur … gathered to celebrate a special exhibition of paintings by Italian painter and sculptor Amedeo Modigliani and to fundraise “to ensure the future of the Barnes’s educational mission, exhibition program, and a wide array of community, artistic, and scholarly projects.” Tall order. No matter: the Foundation pulls it off every year, elevating every level of celebrating to next level.

Kicking it up a notch is just what the event planners and organizers do. From a glorious bounty of epicurean catered starters, mouth-watering entrees and elegant dessert morsels, well-stocked bars, entertainment that dazzles and raises the bar (in 2022, it was a disco ball that was boosting the fun factor!), floral arrangements that are themselves exhibit-worthy, eye-popping decor and a “collection” of attendees that will knock your socks off with their fashion flair and artistic charm, it’s truly the premier art fundraiser in Philadelpha.

Personally, and when fortunate enough to nab an invite, I revel in my exposure to cultural richness and art education. I’m not often exposed to the art world but am wholly curious and grateful when I can make such a connection. Art sustains us. As my work-life balance often ventures into the oxymoronic (if you know, you know), I find a much-needed art-is-truth fix during these happy moments at the Barnes Foundation.

Venture now with me for a recap of my incredible 2022 experience …

When my plus-one and I arrived at the check-in area, we helped ourselves to flutes of bubbly from leafy, verdant display shelves. Throughout this champagne reception, we people watched while attendees filed in, making their way along the reflecting pool leading to the building’s entrance. I adore checking out the dazzling show; it’s like some cosmopolitan city’s fashion-week catwalk. The chic and stylish parade passed in highly original, often ingenious attire that typically flaunts a serious creative esthetic.

Speaking of said plus-one, my friend Anne is exceptionally adept in the role. I’ve extended many an invite to her. She knows I’m on assignment and understands we’re not joined at the hip for the evening. We make the scene, then go our separate ways, me to photograph guests, food, decor and more, she to mingle. Throughout the night, we invariably meet in passing, share impressions, laughs and accumulated interesting tidbits about the event, then wash-rinse-repeat this pattern until the Cinderella-evening clock ticks down, when we come together to hop an Uber, kick off our heels and excitedly share post-affair commentary like a duo of movie critics. The Centennial Art Ball gleaned a 100% on our collective critique meters.

We exchanged glowing reports of gorgeous foodstuffs, sightings of mutual acquaintances and gleeful accounts of exceptional entertainment. For me, the entertainment highlight came courtesy of The Illustrious Blacks, who put on a show of shows in silver atop silver that was accented by silver. They pumped up so much disco volume, you would’ve been hard-pressed to locate anyone sitting out the dancing. Truth be told, I exaggerate to make a point. While there will always be that select crowd of dance-refusers, I am telling you that this dynamic duo hit it out of the stratosphere! DJ RashidZakat and Almanac Dance Circus Theatre rounded out the trifecta of top-notch entertainers.

The fete’s decor was a study in brilliance with the same silver theme evident throughout. Holographic lighting featuring swirling patterns festooned walls and ceilings with vibrant pink and purple hues. Hints of this electrifying disco-fever foreshadowed post-dinner events that unfolded in the courtyard area with its nearby outdoor fireplace. Even in the early moments of cocktail-swilling, light bites’ grazing, entree-dining and sweet-treat nibbling in the main-stage area, the coming dance-frenzy hints were evident. One moment that stopped me in my tracks occurred when The Illustrious Blacks boldly wended their way through the mostly still seated crowd wearing what I can only describe as voluminous, tent-like great coats. It was quite the theatrical happening.

Before I joined the pulsating crowd on the dance floor, I hit up the featured Modigliani Up Close exhibit in an effort to learn about one fascinating artist. While iconic and known, his significant contributions to the world of art had never yet crossed my radar. I also wanted to digest the sumptuous foodstuff spread, so I followed the others entering the exhibit. I proceeded to alternately study the works with explanatory placards and photograph guests as they, too, studied and admired.

As upscale rave-alicious [sic] as are the annual Barnes Foundation art balls in terms of memorable and magnificent social occasions, it’s always the provocative art that stays with me for some time once party lights dim and fade at evening’s end. I suspect the notion of the power of art being a vehicle for truth is what lingers long. As I haven’t a single non-creative bone in my body, I am grateful to this incredible community of people coming together each year in this gorgeous space to share passionate and creative spirits.

I took a peek at the web site and discovered that “the fête galante–inspired decor for 2023’s ball will feature a verdant feminine forest by Terrain. The evening’s musical performances will spotlight Philadelphia talent, including legendary songstress Lady Alma, performing a high-energy late-night set; singer-songwriter Jacqueline Constance in the espresso martini bar on the Lower Level; DJ Ben Arsenal, spinning cross-cultural, organic and electronic beats; and DJ lil’dave mixing jazz and funk tunes.”

And … “In addition to exclusive after-hours access to Marie Laurencin: Sapphic Paris and the Barnes collection, this year’s Barnes Art Ball will be a free-flowing, campus-wide event, featuring multiple bars, abundant food stations, live music, and pop-up performances.”

Sounds as if they’re (event planners, organizers, sponsors, committee members, volunteers and all involved) once again living up to those best of the best accolades as the art party in Philadelphia. If you haven’t purchased your tickets, do so today by visiting the web site at Art Ball 2023 | Events at the Barnes (barnesfoundation.org)

Don your most creative-forward, chic and ravishing evening wear and make like a Modigliani morning, speaking words (and dressing!) passionately. But no nudes, please … reclining or otherwise.

Does this sofa inspire anyone else to shed threads and pose as a reclining, languorous nude? A girl can dream. Here’s the beautiful photo-op site from the Ball. And what a color palette that’s redolent with earthy and warm autumnal hues.

An exquisite floral arrangement was one among many that awed with its bounty and brilliance.

Silver tablecloths and floral centerpieces are a study in texture and brilliance.

Bedazzling decor in a table setting.

Elevated space!

Spectacular floral arrangements were everywhere.

Who wouldn’t want to make this scene?!

And now, presenting the attendees, many of which I didn’t know but all graciously honored my request for a photo. Do you see yourself in the snaps below or anyone else you know? While not a professional high-society photographer, I love photographing people. Scroll further to check out some hella fashionistas and beautiful people, descriptors which apply to everyone pictured.

As my years ’round the sun continue, I tend to not focus only on others’ physicality to define beauty. My definition of beauty is found in a joyous smile, sparkling eyes, a look of love, a clear and direct gaze, a toothy grin … you get the picture. Thank you, beautiful people for permitting me to photograph you celebrating a very special evening.