The Hammer Museum at UCLA welcomed cultural and civic leaders, artists, collectors, patrons of the arts, and entertainment world notables to its 14th annual Gala in the Garden on Oct. 8. The event raised more than $2 million to support the museum’s acclaimed exhibitions and public programs, which are always free to the public.
Returning for the fourth year, Bottega Veneta partnered with the Hammer Museum to present this year’s gala, celebrating both artists and creative expression in Los Angeles.
Nearly 600 guests filled the Museum’s outdoor courtyard to honor artist Laurie Anderson and filmmaker Todd Haynes. Norwegian author Karl Ove Knausgaard and Emmy-winning actress Sarah Paulson offered tributes. 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.
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, Los Angeles County 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.
The evening began with cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres on the third-floor terrace overlooking a courtyard installation of lanterns by Pedro and Juana, a studio from Mexico City founded by designers Ana Paula Ruiz Galindo and Mecky Reuss. During the dinner remarks, Philbin praised the many accomplishments of gala honorees Anderson and Haynes and guests watched tribute videos by Joni Sighvatsson.
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. 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.
Read more about the Gala in the Garden.