The Norton Museum of Art hosted its annual Gala fundraiser featuring its sixth Gala Auction hosted by Oliver Barker, Sotheby’s Principal Auctioneer and Chairman, Sotheby’s Europe. The event, attended by nearly 700 people, raised more than $5 million to support the Norton’s Curatorial and Learning and Community Engagement programs. Contemporary artist Rashid Johnson was the Gala’s honoree; the occasion marked the first time an artist had been honored at the Museum’s annual event.
“We are deeply grateful for the supporters of the Norton Museum of Art, who not only contributed to the great success of the Gala but also support the Museum throughout the year,” said Ghislain d’Humières, Kenneth C. Griffin Director and CEO. “The continued generosity of the participating artists and galleries help ensure the Norton can offer incredible programming to our community and beyond.”
The 2025 Gala Co-Chairs were Audrey Gruss, Amy Phelan, and Sue Wrigley. The 2025 Gala Vice Chairs included Lori Gendelman, Lorna James, Josephine Kalisman, Nicola Marcus, George Frederick Mead Merck, Beth Rudin DeWoody, Lisa Tananbaum, and Silvia Zoullas.
This year’s unique black and white evening was designed and curated by internationally renowned event producer David Monn, who created an immersive experience that brought works of art and programming at the Norton to life via digital projection mapping, enveloping guests with imagery.
The auction featured 44 works of art by pre-eminent artists such as honoree Rashid Johnson, as well as artists Jose Alvarez (D.O.P.A.), Joana Choumali, Christiane Feser, Todd Gray, Katharina Grosse, Sol LeWitt, Joel Mesler, Zanele Muholi, Claes Oldenburg, Anastasia Samoylova, Dustin Yellin, and more. Five lots were auctioned live by Barker at the Museum’s sold-out Gala. This year’s roster of international galleries included Hauser & Wirth, Gagosian, GAVLAK, Marian Goodman Gallery, Lehmann Maupin, Lévy Gorvy Dayan, Pace Gallery, Tina Kim Gallery, and many more.
The Norton garnered international support from the auction, with bidders joining from around the world. All of the lots auctioned live at the Gala sold, raising nearly $1.4 million.
Gala attendees included artist and honoree Rashid Johnson; collector and curator Beth Rudin DeWoody; fashion industry executive and designer Aerin Lauder; collector Jane Holzer; model and designer Lauren Layne Merck; collectors Steven and Lisa Tananbaum; West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James; and artist Laddie John Dill (whose work Eastern Standard Time (EST), was recently acquired by the Norton and will go on view May 10), among others.
The 2025 Gala Auction was made possible by the generosity of Sotheby's. Additional support was provided by Gander & White, one of the world’s leading fine art logistics companies, and Valentine Designs.
Image credit: Capehart Photography
