Friends and supporters of The Glass House gathered for the annual Summer Party. "It was a special occasion to come together and directly support the preservation and continued vitality of one of the most important works of Modernist architecture in the world,” noted Executive Director Kirsten Reoch.
This year, The Glass House pays special tribute to the life of legendary designer Gaetano Pesce (1939–2024) with the debut of a limited-edition resin vase, Edizioni del Pesce, Big Surprise 2, created in collaboration with Meritalia®. Inspired by the site’s two iconic Feltri chairs, this expressive object embodies the spirit of functional art and will feature a custom Glass House stamp.
The celebration was made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsor Max Mara, with additional contributions from Design Within Reach and Land Rover Darien.
Guests enjoyed a lively picnic by Elm, accompanied by DJ Pete Brockman’s upbeat set, creating a joyful energy across the historic site.
The Glass House’s Summer Party featured a range of engaging experiences, including an homage to the 10th anniversary of Max Mara’s Whitney Bag—a striking, life-sized sculptural installation inspired by the iconic handbag, paired with a signature gelato cart and a 360-degree photo moment on the front lawn. Guests were captivated by Pilobolus performances, with two site-responsive works, Awaken Heart and Branches, unfolding across the landscape. UOVO’s presence brought together art, fashion, and wine, along with a Café Aroma Especial coffee bar offering specialty espresso creations. Design Within Reach curated a stylish lounge with lawn games and shaded seating areas for relaxed socializing, while refreshments were provided by Whispering Angel Rosé, Elouan Wines, and BARVIDA juices and waters. The event also featured a Framebridge art activation—a silent auction of artist-designed, custom-framed pieces, with proceeds supporting The Glass House’s mission.
A key cultural highlight was Barbara Kasten: Structure, Light, Land, a site-wide exhibition thoughtfully installed in the Painting Gallery, Sculpture Gallery, and Brick House, inviting guests to engage with Kasten’s exploration of light, form, and architectural space.
Image credit: Matt Borkowski/BFA