It was a night steeped in legacy—and forward momentum. On Monday, more than 750 artists, patrons, and friends of the Studio Museum in Harlem gathered to celebrate what director and chief curator Thelma Golden characterized as a “threshold” moment, otherwise known as the W 125 Street institution’s much-anticipated reopening after seven years of renovations on Nov. 15.
The Locale: Hosted at the riverside Glasshouse, the evening was backdropped by panoramic views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline. But, all attention was on the museum’s new footprint Uptown. As Raymond J. McGuire, chairman of the Board, noted, “Tonight, let’s remember: This isn’t just about bricks and mortar, it’s about legacy and light. The Studio Museum has never simply reflected the times; it has helped shape them. And as we open our doors in a few weeks, we will do so with the same conviction that guided our founders in 1968: with faith in art, and faith in community.”
The Crowd: The evening brought together a convergence of creative leaders including producer Mara Brock Akil, filmmaker, farmer, and former Just Above Midtown gallerist Linda Goode Bryant, New York City Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie A. Cumbo, news anchor Maurice DuBois, actor Jay Ellis, director Spike Lee and producer Tonya Lewis Lee, musician Usher, and author Colson Whitehead. The museum also welcomed Mellon Foundation President Dr. Elizabeth Alexander, MoMA PS1 Director Connie Butler, Whitney Museum Associate Director Adrienne Edwards, and Robert Rauschenberg Foundation Executive Director Courtney J. Martin. Rounding out the guest list were artists Nina Chanel Abney, Derrick Adams, Jordan Casteel, Glenn Ligon, Mickalene Thomas, and Carrie Mae Weems.
The Entertainment: A lively, head-turning performance by the Hudson Horns musical ensemble, rousing the well-coiffed crowd into an energizing bout of dancing. Plenty of necks could be seen turning to spot which illustrious members of the crowd had made their way out onto the floor.
What You Missed: The honoring of five longtime trustees with outsize community impact—Gordon J. Davis, Sandra Grymes, Arthur J. Humphrey Jr., George L. Knox, and the late Nancy L. Lane. Their collective service totals 219 years.
Memorable Moment: Golden took the stage to present the institution’s annual award for excellence—the Joyce Alexander Wein Artist Prize. Kenturah Davis was this year’s recipient—her multi-medium practice explores the intricacies of Black life through towering portraits layered with written text that recalls the history of her community.
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