Inside The American Folk Art Museum’s 60th Anniversary Benefit Gala Co-chaired By Jean Shafiroff
The American Folk Art Museum hosted its 60th Anniversary Benefit Gala at Gotham Hall in New York City. Bisa Butler, KAWS, and Faith Ringgold were among the artists honored at the event which was co-chaired by philanthropist Jean Shafiroff.
Honorary Chair Joyce Berger Cowin was recognized as AFAM’s most generous supporter in the organization’s 60-year history. Over $475,000 was raised for the Museum’s programs, exhibitions, and educational initiatives as a result of the gala.
“This event will go down in the books as one of the most successful benefit galas we have hosted,” said Karley Klopfenstein, AFAM’s Chief Development Officer. “It was our honor to salute three of the most innovative and inspiring artists of our time, as well as celebrate Joyce Berger Cowin as the most generous philanthropist in AFAM’s history, and our six decades as New York City’s only Museum devoted to folk and self-taught artists.”
Among the over 300 in attendance were Jean Shafiroff, Bisa Butler, KAWS, John McEnroe, Serena Altschul, Miss Info, Lee Quinones, Erik Parker, Shaniqua Jarvis, Joe Coleman, Jerry Lauren, Dr. Lisa Farrington, Max Anderson, Stephanie Stebich, Elizabeth V. Warren, Laura Parsons, Audrey B. Heckler, Patricia Silverstein, Lucy and Mike Danziger, Barbara Gordon, Brett Robbins, Gail Wright Sirmans, Laurent Delly, Anne Radice, Andrew Edlin, Matthew Higgs, and Marilyn Kirschner. DJ Prince Hakim provided the entertainment.
The co-chairs for the evening were Jean Shafiroff and Martin Shafiroff, Susan Baerwald and Marcy Carsey, Lucy and Mike Danziger, Laurent Delly, Barbara Gordon and Steve Cannon, Gail Wright Sirmans, Elizabeth V. Warren and Irwin Warren, and Steven and Leon Weiss.
Jean Shafiroff who returned from Palm Beach for the special occasion commented: “I was delighted to support this wonderful evening for the American Folk Art Museum. I congratulate all the honorees and thank all the others who worked so hard to make tonight a success!”. During Joyce Berger Cowin’s speech, Joyce spoke of Jean Shafiroff’s hardwork and tireless efforts in philanthropy.
