EVEnts

Dream Ball 2023

8:00 pm
|
May 20, 2023
-
May 20, 2023
|
Art Students League of New York, Vanderbilt Gallery

Dream Ball at The Art Students League of New York

Thank you for an amazing evening! Click below to see all the photos from the event.

Event Photos by Cara Friedman/BFA

Event Photos by Rupert Ramsay/BFA

Event Photos by Vita Phoenix

Step & Repeat Photos by Moera Creative

---------------

The Art Students League's famous Dream Ball, a tradition that dates to the mid-20th Century, is back!

A magical evening of art, entertainment, cocktails, and masquerade in the historic Vanderbilt Gallery of the Art Students League of New York, the Dream Ball is this spring’s must-attend event.

This year's dress code is Masquerade of Your Wildest Dreams. The most creative ensembles will be chosen to take part in the costume parade, emceed by Guy Richards Smit. Guest judge Murray Hill will choose his favorite to receive an exclusive prize from our sponsor Nordstrom. We'll dance to music by DJ Black Helmet in the historic Vanderbilt Gallery Ballroom. Be blown away by the main act, a sultry burlesque performance by Cassandra Rosebeetle and Miss Syn Sultress.

This is a 21+ event.

Special thanks to our Host Committee:

Jonathan Baron • Charlotte Bialek • Yoko Cohen • Steve Durkee • Deborah Edell • JiaJia Fei • Maria Fillas • Robin Frank • Dorian Goldman • Jack Gordon • Michael Hall • Alden Hawkins • Janet Hoffman • Jack Howard-Potter • Elton Illirjani • Fran Jacobs • Annabel Keelty • Elizabeth Kingman • Julian LaVerdiere • JJ Loonam • David Marchi • Carole McDermott • Ryan McGinness • Aela Morgan • Anju Narula • Lauren Pagan • Marina Press Granger • William Radin • Nadja Sayej • John Seery • Cameron M. Shay • Richie Shazam • Eric Shiner • Jonathan Spies • Elizabeth Stern • Jacquetta Szathmari • Jerry Torre • Christian Wanlass

The Dream Ball event is made possible by the support of generous partners and sponsors:

Support provided by Materials for the Arts, a program of NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.

Featured Speakers

Guy Richards Smit

Guy Richards Smit is a painter, video artist, performer, and musician. Smit's work employs a keen eye and a mordant wit to explore everything from the memento mori of late medieval life, to sitcoms, gag cartoons, and pop songs. His cartoons have appeared in the New Yorker, Artnet, and Hyperallergic and are currently being made into a collection with Hunter’s Point Press.

Murray Hill

NYC legend, comedian,host, and international entertainer Murray Hill is a relentless shtick slinger,larger-than-life personality, and freewheeling ad-libber. He plays Fred Rococoin Bridget Everett’s SomebodySomewhere (HBO). The show wasawarded many “Best of 2022” Awards, including “Best New TV Series” from AFI. He can be seen on Amy Schumer’s Life & Beth,and guest-starred on Welcometo Flatch (FOX). This summer,he hosts the new competition show DragMe To Dinner (Hulu) and willbe seen in Paul Feig’s movie GrandDeath Lotto (Amazon Studios)starring John Cena and Awkwafina.

DJ Black Helmet

DJ Black Helmet is a New York Based DJ / musician who specializes in long form live mixes +  generative ambient works. He has performed at venues such as Elsewhere, Bembe, Pioneer Works, Public Records, The Sultan Room, Roulette Intermedium, and MoMa PS1. He has worked for clients including but not limited to Tumblr, CARA NYC, Mana Contemporary, Ace Hotel Chicago, NADA, Feria Material, and Platform Art. He currently has a weekly radio show on WFMU’s Give The Drummer Radio called Your Boy Black Helmet Radio.

Frequently Asked Questions

See below for frequently asked questions, or contact our clerks at 212-247-4510, ext. 6 or clerks@artstudentsleague.org.
Is there an age restriction for this event?

This event is 21+. Because we are serving alcohol, we will check the ID at the entrance. 

What is included in the ticket price?

Your ticket includes access to a 4-hour event with an open bar, music, dancing and chance to win a best costume prize. 

Is the ticket fee considered a donation?

We aim to keep ticket prices as low as possible so more people can access the event. The face value of the ticket covers only a fraction of the costs and is not tax deductible. Support us by making a tax deductible donation by going to Eventbrite and choosing “Donate” at the checkout.

What is the entrance policy?

We open doors at 8pm and the last entry call will be at 11 pm. The event will be over by 12am and everyone should leave the building no later than 12am. The last bar call will be at 11:40pm. To fully enjoy the Dream Ball, we recommended coming no later than 9pm. 

Can I reenter?

Yes, reentry is allowed if you have a stamp that confirms that you are eligible to enter.

Should I bring my ID?

Yes, ID will be checked upon entrance. This event is for people age 21+.

What is the theme of the event?

The 2024 Dream Ball theme is Maximalist Fairytale. 

Do I need to wear a costume to be admitted?

We encourage everyone to come in a costume.

Should I have a special registration to take part in the costume show? 

Every attendee that comes in costume will be considered for a prize. The costume parade will happen at approximately 9:30pm, at the end of which the best costume prize will be awarded by the Jury. 

Who will be attending the event? 

League artists, alumni, students, members as well as art patrons, art professionals, and people who love dancing and costumes. 

What does open bar mean? 

The venue will provide free drinks between 8pm and 11:40pm.

I want to be involved; how can I help / be a part of the event?

We are looking for volunteers in the following areas:

  • day of event set up and decor 
  • coat check
  • costume contest usher
  • front of house 

If you are interested, please let us know by filling out this form: https://forms.gle/eamTiQphw8iypcMm9

I’m out of town but want to support the event. Is there a way I can do that?

Please consider making general operations/unrestricted donation to help offset the event costs and support the mission.  On Eventbrite, choose “Donate” at the checkout.

Dream Ball 2023

May 20, 2023
-
May 20, 2023
|
8:00 pm
-
11:00 pm
rsvp