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In support and celebration of the organization’s ambitious public projects, Creative Time held an annual gala at The Russian Tea Room in New York City, in partnership with Nordstrom. Flooded with artists, celebrities, and creatives alike, the event was nothing short of decadent and captivating. 

The event commenced with guests sipping on a non-alcoholic potion of sorts called “LOVE CONQUERS ALL” in the Bear Lounge, a room adorned with a stained glass ceiling, Fabergé-inspired Venetian glass eggs, and a 15-foot sculptural bear. For a more interactive experience, fake bear-masked performers ushered guests to dinner by the sound of cymbals crashing, leading them into the ballroom’s hall of mirrors. Dining tables were draped in red carnations and anemones, brass components, and mirrored place mats, while guests indulged in Russian Tea Room signatures, including borscht and beef stroganoff.

The night’s honorees included Michelle Coffey, Molly Gochman, and Guadalupe Maravilla, welcomed by Creative Time Board Chair Jon Neidich and Executive Director Jean Cooney, who shared that the organization has a “fifty-year legacy to carry forward, a Creative Time family to keep close, and artists’ dream projects to pursue.” 

Miles Greenberg, Neil Hamamoto, and Ilana Savdie co-chaired the After Hours party, and as a courtesy of Creative Time X Nordstrom, shared an array of Ukrainian shots, bear performers, and an ice luge in the shape of a bear. Attendees were hypnotically immersed on the dance floor with DJs Leigh Lezark of The Misshapes and Jean d’Armes. 

With an emphasis on producing public art experiences that venture outside the mold, Creative Time’s collaboration with Nordstrom reflects both companies' devotion to supporting local artists and communities across New York City, while aiming to inspire meaningful creative authenticity and accessibility.

Photographed by BFA/Kevin Czopek.