The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) celebrated its 70th anniversary at its annual gala. Manhattan Borough President, Brad Hoylam-Sigal, joined by NYC Council Member Gale Brewer, issued a proclamation to mark October 26, 2026, as Museum of Arts and Design Appreciation Day.
“MAD has evolved into a leading organization, dedicated to exploring the intersection of art, craft, and design,” said Hoylman-Sigal. “Through its exhibitions, educational programs, public enhancement, and commitment to emerging and established artists, MAD fosters artistic discovery, expands access to the arts, and strengthens New York City’s standing as a global center for creativity and cultural innovation. Arts and culture are the heart of New York City, which is why I have committed the entirety of my capital budget, $50 million, exclusively to arts and cultural institutions.”
“For 70 years, we’ve been celebrating extraordinary things that happen when creativity, craftsmanship, and imagination come together,” said Tim Rodgers, MAD’s Nanette L. Laitman Director. “At MAD, you should expect the unexpected. We’re compelled to think outside of the box, to explore the new and the unusual.”
Guests had exclusive access to all the museum’s exhibits, including a preview of “John Procario: Freeforms — Sculptural Explorations in Wood and Light.” The artist’s first solo museum exhibition, it features bentwood sculptures incorporating LED lighting. Also, a private look at the newly opened “Nike: Form Follows Motion,” featuring designs and prototypes from the brand’s archives, surprised guests with an improvisational dance performance by the Renegade Performance Group. Other installations and experiences included “Jessica Lichtenstein: ReWilding,” where guests created personalized keepsakes in collaboration with xTool, and Alice Riehl’s monumental porcelain installation “Herbarium Interior,” which was accompanied by an olfactory experience by perfumer Alexandra Monet. Artists in residence Karen Lao and Esther Jihye Cho opened their studios for intimate looks into their work, while guests created wearable floral arrangements in the Education Center. The celebration went late into the night, with a magic performance by Dan White, and an after-party with music by DJ Erol Sabadosh.
“As we celebrate 70 years, I keep coming back to the remarkable woman who started it all, Aileen Osborn Webb,” said MAD Board Chair Michele Cohen. “She believed that creativity enriches our lives and that everyone should have the opportunity to make something with their own hands.”
MAD’s featured artists Jessica Lichtenstein, John Procario, and Alice Riehl welcomed guests, as did Board Members Susan Ach, Charles Burdick, Marian C. Burke, Kathy Chazen, Mike De Paola, Adam Johnson, Jeffrey Manocherian, Luam Melake, Barbara Waldman, Chair Emerita Barbara Tober, and MAD Curators Elissa Auther and Bryna Pomp. Among the many patrons were Jayden Ali, Marty Cohen, Carolina Blackman, West Chin, Liz Collins, Lee Fryd, Dakota Jackson, Todd Merrill, Marsy Mittleman, Polina Proshkina, and Karim Rashid.
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