Annual event raises money in support of Phoenix Art Museum activities
Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
This spring, Phoenix Art Museum invites guests to experience a night of “rock ‘n’ roll romance” inspired by the Phoenix premiere of The World of Anna Sui at the institution’s annual gala, The pARTy in the Garden.
On Friday, April 11, at 7 p.m. in the museum’s Dorrance Sculpture Garden, guests will enjoy exclusive access to the major fashion exhibition, along with cocktail hour and an elegant dinner under the stars.
Following the gala, guests will enjoy dancing and dessert at The afterpARTy, which will be located in a surprise museum location rarely accessed by the public, according to event planners.
The annual event raises nearly $1 million in support of the museum’s exhibitions, arts education programs, and free-access programs for the community.
This year’s pARTy in the Garden is chaired by Jordan Rose and Rob Walton, along with Jay Franke and David Herro. The afterpARTy is chaired by Jennifer and Andrew Cooper.
“Phoenix Art Museum is very excited to host the Valley’s premiere of The World of Anna Sui at this year’s pARTy in the Garden,” said Jeremy Mikolajczak, the Museum’s Sybil Harrington Director and CEO. “Each year, our annual gala offers a remarkable experience inspired by a major exhibition, and this year’s event promises an evening of rock ‘n’ roll romance, all in support of making art and arts engagement accessible for our broadest community. We are deeply grateful to this year’s pARTy and afterpARTy chairs—Jordan Rose, Rob Walton, Jay Franke, David Herro, and Andrew and Jennifer Cooper—for their dedication to our mission and for ensuring a night gala guests will never forget.”
Blending rock and roll with romanticism, Anna Sui taps into the timeless nostalgia of fashion’s earlier days and pairs it with her rocker aesthetic. Through head to toe looks, she has created a graphic, imaginative universe inhabited by alter-egos that draw inspiration from cowgirls, grunge girls, hippie chicks, hula girls, Mods, pirate rock stars, Pre-Raphaelite maidens, and surfer nomads.
Organized by the Fashion and Textile Museum, London,The World of Anna Sui features approximately 100 ensembles from the award-winning designer’s archive, presenting a roll call of 12 archetypes that are staples of the Sui aesthetic. Featuring everything from garments to accessories, hair styles to makeup, scent to sound, the exhibition explores in minute detail the materials, cultural obsessions, and global styles that have inspired Sui for decades.
Along with the Phoenix premiere of The World of Anna Sui, the 2025 pARTy in the Garden will include an elegant cocktail hour and a seated dinner under the stars, followed by decadent desserts and lively dancing at The afterpARTy from 9pm to midnight. Tickets to The afterpARTy are included for pARTy guests and will also be available for purchase to the public (doors open at 8:30 pm for afterpARTy guests to check in). The late-night, “museum-after-dark experience” features exclusive access to select exhibitions, along with a hosted bar, live music and entertainment, light bites and desserts, custom cocktails, and more. The event’s chic and celebratory atmosphere draws young, affluent professionals, along with artists and community arts advocates.
A limited number of individual pARTy gala tickets are available to the public, starting at $1,250 each. Table sponsorships begin at $12,500 and include seating for up to 10 guests. All gala tickets include access to The afterpARTy. Gala guests are asked to RSVP by April 1. To RSVP, email specialevents@phxart.org or call 602.257.2101.
For event information, ticketing, donor and sponsorship opportunities, visit phxart.org/party-in-the-garden.
Individual tickets for The afterpARTy are $165 for the public or two tickets for $300, $125 for members of Phoenix Art Museum, and $100 for members of Arizona Costume Institute and Men’s Arts Council. To purchase tickets, visit phxart.org/afterparty.