Photo Flash: MAD BALL 2020 Honoring Judy Chicago Featured Mx Justin Vivian Bond, Rosanne Cash and More

Judy Chicago burst into tears when crowned during MAD Ball 2020. "I have gotten a number of awards, and this tops them all. What is most meaningful to me is to help MAD because my goal always has been to make a contribution. I have a long history with MAD." The crown itself has "a vaginal opening, pink velvet center, snake symbols which are the archetypical phallic motif, and spoons referencing Judy's The Dinner Party," explained artist Trulee Hall, who created the award made of heatform moldable thermoplastic sheets.

MAD Ball, a virtual benefit for the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD), connected people everywhere via Zoom, some even gathering safely for small, in-person watch parties at homes and restaurants. The action-packed evening kicked off with a warm introduction from MAD's Chair Michele Cohen live from East Hampton and was hosted by MX Justin Vivian Bond, live from their home in Hudson, New York (and with a special guest appearance by their cat, Leather).

See photos from the event below!

Rosanne Cash performed a heartfelt song and praised Chicago, "You've cleared a path for young women around the world. Not just young women but old women, as well."

Judy Chicago was live via Zoom from the Santa Fe home of her friends and gallerists Tonya Turner Carroll and Michael Carroll, joined by friends and collectors, including Jordan Schnitzer. Sporting her trademark smoky purple hair and magenta lips, she sparked a sartorial competition; MAD's Chief Curator Elissa Auther wore "Judy" glasses and a yellow feather boa, while MAD Assistant Curator Angelik Vizcarrondo-Laboy appeared with a full face of artful rainbow eye shadow. The evening included a live conversation with Judy, a conversation between Chicago and Auther produced by Chiara Clemente, and a tour of The Dinner Party with Brooklyn Museum Curator Carmen Hermo.

Tinu Naija, philanthropist and designer, delivered a personal message to MAD Champions Award recipient Barbara Tober (in Valentino). "To my good friend...I miss you, our lunches, and your very handsome husband," said Naija, with a big smile on her face. Also celebrated were Donald Tober and MAD's longtime trustees-Simona and Jerome A. Chazen, and Laura and Lewis Kruger.

MAD's young patrons group, MAD Luminaries, gathered at New York City's Spring Place for a socially distanced gathering hosted by Trustee Alexander Hankin with attending artists Shantell Martin, Fischer Cherry, and Mia Wright-Ross.

The evening included a special tribute in remembrance of the late Nanette L. Laitman by Michele Cohen and Laitman's granddaughter Abby Eletz.

MAD Ball guests included: Timo Weiland, Nick Hissom, Kameron Ramirez, ThankYouX, Kevin Scott Hees, Polina Proshkina and Yan Assoun, Christina Senia, Swoon, Andrew Erdos, Ralph Gibson, Sheila Pepe & Carrie Moyer, Bonnie Eletz, Cathy Seligman, Helen Drutt, Meriel Lari, Patricia Specter, Elizabeth Stribling, Cece Black, Joanna Fisher, Larry Milstein, Didi and Oscar Schafer, Sybil Yurman, and Kathy Landy.

Other members of MAD's Board who were present included: Eric and Barbara Dobkin, Patti and Michael Dweck, Linda and Seth Plattus, Cynthia and Jeffrey Manocherian, Klara and Larry Silverstein, Marsy Mittlemann, Mike DePaola, Barbara Waldman, Angela Sun, and Ann Kaplan.

The annual MAD Ball, like MAD itself, celebrates the role of craft in history, culture, and society. Founded and nurtured by philanthropist Aileen Osborn, MAD places the value of craft at the center of its focus, promoting a view of the world unobstructed by traditional definitions of fine art.

ThankYouX, Kristina Schiavi, Brittany Dunn

Terry Skoda

Sterling McDavid, Alexander Hankin

Rosanne Cash

Polina Proshkina, Alexander Hankin

Zachary Weiss

Tinu Naija

Timo Weiland, Christina Senia

Christina Senia, Timo Weiland, Alexander Hankin

Timo Weiland, Alexander Hankin

Abby Eletz

Elissa Auther

Caledonia Curry

April Tonin and Mia Wright Ross

Alexander Hankin

Kameron Ramirez, Nick Hissom

Judy Chicago

Vivian Bond

Fischer Cherry

Eric Kuhn

Polina Proshkina

Michele Cohen

Simona and Jerry Chazen

Nanette L. Laitman

Laura and Lewis Kruger

Barbara Tober, Donald Tober