Inside Last Night’s Star-Studded Whitney Art Party

Chloe Wise, Natasha Lyonne, and Poppy were just a few of the stars in attendance

People viewing colorful pop art paintings in a gallery setting, with vibrant outfits and lively atmosphere.
Stylist Micaela Erlanger and dancer and actress Maddie Ziegler at the exhibition “Andy Warhol: From A to B and Back Again” during the Whitney’s Art Party, January 29, 2019. Photo: Tiffany Sage / BFA

Last night, the Whitney Museum threw its annual Art Party, a benefit known for its cool crowd and tendency to get a little wild. This year’s star-studded party began in the museum’s blockbuster Andy Warhol exhibition, before guests headed to the first floor for the raunchier half of the evening. Downstairs, the party began in earnest, with music from Los Angeles DJ Kittens and trays of comfort-food-themed hors d’oeuvres featuring mini cheeseburgers and milkshakes.

The party benefits the Whitney’s Independent Study program, which supports “phenomenal rising talent,” as per Molly Krause, a member of the executive committee of the museum-affiliated Whitney Contemporaries club.

“I became involved through my passion for the Whitney and its educational programs,” Krause recalled, adding, “This fundraiser is a fun way to experience the Whitney, to intimately explore its galleries, and to show support.”

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The bash was teeming with celebrities, from artists Chloe Wise, Caitlin Keogh, and Andrew Kuo, and models Madisin Rian, Gizele Oliveira, and Chey Maya Carty, to actors Cody Simpson, Natasha Lyonne, and Maddie Zeigler and musicians Young Paris, Onyx Collective, and Poppy.

“I’m really happy to be in New York. I’ve been in rehearsals for my tour, so I’m glad that I could make it out tonight,” Poppy told Galerie. “I’m so lucky to be here. It’s for a great cause.”

People viewing art exhibits in a modern gallery with paintings and wall graphics
Party guests were able to explore the museum’s Andy Warhol exhibit. Tiffany Sage / BFA

A group of eight stylishly dressed people posing at a 2019 art party event backdrop.
Art Party cochairs (from left): Michael Carl, Jack McCollough, Kristen Cole, Lazaro Hernandez, Natasha Lyonne, Micaela Erlanger, Maddie Ziegler, Greta Lee. Tiffany Sage / BFA

A large crowd of people at a vibrant indoor party with colorful lighting and "ACRERMA" projected on the wall.
The Whitney Art Party 2019. Hagop Kalaidjian / BFA

Two individuals holding hands at a 2019 art party event, standing in front of a branded backdrop.
Natasha Lyonne and Greta Lee. Hagop Kalaidjian / BFA

Person posing at art party event wearing a colorful patterned dress against a branded backdrop.
Chloe Wise. Hagop Kalaidjian / BFA

A person in a shimmering black dress poses at an art party event with a backdrop featuring the year 2019.
Gizele Oliveira. Hagop Kalaidjian / BFA

Person in pink and black striped outfit posing in front of a backdrop with "Art Party 2019" text.
Chey Maya Carty. Hagop Kalaidjian / BFA

Two models in vibrant red and silver evening dresses pose at a lively event with multiple guests in the background.
Madisin Rian and Jourdana Phillips. Tiffany Sage / BFA

Person posing at an art party event, wearing a gray shirt and black pants with a pink and black event backdrop.
Cody Simpson. Hagop Kalaidjian / BFA

Person in a white dress with black abstract design at an art event, holding the sides of the dress, in front of a backdrop.
Poppy. Hagop Kalaidjian / BFA