- Richard Armstrong, Diana Widmaier Picasso, Eric Thévenet, Paolma Picasso Thévenet, Almine and Bernard Ruiz-Picasso, and Carmen Gimenez. Photo: Billy Farrell
- The gala was held in the museum's rotunda. Photo: Billy Farrell
- Anna and George Condo. Photo: Billy Farrell
- Paloma Picasso Thévenet and Larry Gagosian. Photo: Billy Farrell
- Francoise Gilot. Photo: Billy Farrell
- Francoise Gilot, Bernard Ruiz-Picasso, and Diana Widmaier Picasso. Photo: Billy Farrell
- Alison Koffman, Denise LeFrak Calicchio, Aurelie Bidermann, and Roberta Amon. Photo: Billy Farrell
- William and Phyllis Mack with Christina and Richard Baker. Photo: Billy Farrell
- Gabriel Orozco and Lawrence Weiner. Photo: Billy Farrell
- Giovanna and Giuseppina Panza. Photo: Billy Farrell
- Mark Quilhot and Emma Hall. Photo: Billy Farrell
- Jennifer Blei Stockman, Forence Sloan, and Almine Picasso. Photo: Billy Farrell
- Karole Vail, Thomas McNeil, and Wendy McNeil. Photo: Billy Farrell
- Joe and Ursula Hillman, Stephen Swid, Val and Charles Diker, and Sue and Ed Wachenheim. Photo: Billy Farrell
On Thursday, November 8, over $3.1 million was raised at the 2012 Guggenheim International Gala and auction. As one of New York's most successful and admired benefit events, the annual gala supports the museum's exhibition and education programs.
In celebration of Picasso Black and White, honorary chairs included Paloma Picasso Thévenet and Dr. Eric Thévenet, Almine and Bernard Ruiz-Picasso, and Diana Widmaier-Picasso. The gala evening was hosted by dinner chair Larry Gagosian and cochairs Eleanor Acquavella Dejoux, Christina Baker, Phyllis Mack, Denise Saul, and Jennifer Stockman.
Guests, who dressed in black and white, dined in the museum’s iconic rotunda within the exceptional setting of the survey of Picasso's painting, drawing, and sculpture. Event designer David Monn drew inspiration from the Spanish master’s oeuvre, with elements such as black carpet, tables covered in shades of black and gray velvet, and marvelous faux palm trees. The fete featured a menu of Spanish cuisine by chef Seamus Mullen, of Tertulia, and wines provided by William Hill Estate Winery.
Artists in attendance included George Condo, Gabriel Orozco, Lawrence Weiner, KAWS, Marilyn Minter, as well as Alexander Singh, who created a limited-edition gift, U+00A4, for guests.
A benefit auction, held at Sotheby’s on November 13 and 14, included donated works by Georg Baselitz, Douglas Gordon, Rashid Johnson, Roy Lichtenstein, Richard Prince, Gabriel Orozco, and James Turrell.