The American Folk Art Museum Gala will mark a milestone moment, its 65th anniversary while simultaneously honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States. Set to take place at the iconic Mandarin Oriental New York, on May 6 2026, promises to bring together a dynamic mix of artists, collectors, philanthropists, and cultural tastemakers for an evening that bridges heritage and contemporary creativity.
credited to the American Folk Art Museum
At the heart of the celebration is a trio of honorees whose work and influence embody the spirit of folk and self-taught art. Contemporary artist vanessa german will receive the Audrey B. Heckler Visionary Award, recognizing her transformative multidisciplinary practice that blends sculpture, ritual, and storytelling. Known for her intricate works incorporating found objects, crystals, and beads, german’s art channels both personal and collective healing through a deeply spiritual lens.
Courtesy of vanessa german and Olney Gleason
Joining her is Broadway legend Harvey Fierstein, celebrated not only for his groundbreaking contributions to theater including Torch Song Trilogy and Kinky Boots – but also for his vibrant work as a quilt maker. Fierstein’s textile creations merge traditional American patchwork with bold color and theatrical flair, offering a deeply personal extension of his creative voice.
The evening will also honor Elizabeth V. Warren, a revered scholar, curator, and collector who has played a pivotal role in shaping the Museum’s legacy. With more than four decades of dedication, including her tenure as Board President, Warren has helped elevate the institution into a leading authority on folk and self-taught art.
Courtesy of Harvey Fierstein
Folk Art Museum Gala arrives on the heels of two major spring exhibitions. Self-Made: A Century of Inventing Artists and Folk Nation: Crafting Patriotism in the United States – which underscore the Museum’s commitment to amplifying diverse artistic voices. Proceeds from the evening will support future programming, including the highly anticipated fall exhibition Locating Girlhood: Place and Identity in Early American “Schoolgirl” Art, as well as the Museum’s ongoing mission to provide free public access.
Since its founding in 1961, the American Folk Art Museum has championed artists who exist outside traditional art world narratives. With a collection of over 7, 000 works spanning four centuries, the institution continues to redefine how we understand creativity celebrating art that is raw, personal, and profoundly human.
In a city that thrives on reinvention, this anniversary gala stands as both a tribute to history and a bold step forward proving that the most compelling stories in art are often the ones told from the margins.
Ticket purchases provide essential support for these exhibitions, as well as the upcoming fall presentation Locating Girlhood: Place and Identity in Early American “Schoolgirl” Art, its related public programs, and the Museum’s core operations. This generosity also sustains the Museum’s commitment to free admission for more than 60,000 annual visitors and extends our reach to hundreds of thousands more through robust online programming. Tickets for the gala are available now via the Museum’s website.