Last night’s Gala in the Garden was a palette of awesome creativity
Art lovers and Aldrich supporters flowed into Ridgefield from every corner of Connecticut and New York City, drawn by a night that promised — and delivered — an experience that exemplified what makes the arts so important and special. Every breath, every glance, every flavor was steeped in creativity. How blessed we are to have all of that here in Ridgefield?
Walking through the double doors at The Aldrich, guests were welcomed with signature cocktails, artful hors d’oeuvres, and a backdrop of exhibits that set the tone for the night. Guests were invited to wander through exhibits where “time” took center stage: Martha Diamond: Deep Time, Martin Beck: ...for hours, days, or weeks at a time, provoking thoughtful conversation.
The Gala was a nod to the Nutmeg State through and through. Honorees were Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut artist Maren Hassinger (whose striking installation of concrete and wire rope flanked the Sculpture Garden. And, UConn’s A Cappella group donned UConn shirts and entertained guests during cocktail hour and at dinner.
Governor Lamont addressed the hundreds of attendees, sharing his pride that Ridgefield is Connecticut’s first Cultural District. He praised The Aldrich for their high caliber of contemporary art, providing space for emerging artists to shine. “The Aldrich is the first contemporary art museum in the country.” He emphasized how the arts “open your mind” and spoke passionately about making creativity accessible to kids.
The live auction, conducted by Christie’s auctioneer Jennifer Wright, included contemporary works of art, a private tour of Bunny Williams’ gardens and an intimate dinner in the Sculpture Garden catered by the evening’s culinary masters at Canard. The Aldrich’s mission was elevated and supported: championing emerging and underrecognized artists and pushing contemporary art forward.
Founded by Larry Aldrich in 1964, The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum continues to stand as a vanguard for creativity and collaboration — a place where the next generation of visionaries finds not just a platform but a home.
Thanks to the generous support from partners like Brescome Barton, Christie’s, CTC&G, Dulce Vida Tequila, Fever-Tree, Litchfield Distillery, and RIPE Bar Juice, this Gala in the Garden wasn't merely an event. It was a living, breathing canvas.
And last night, The Aldrich painted in broad, brilliant strokes.
Learn more: https://thealdrich.org/