In a world that feels increasingly serious, here is your permission to PLAY.
Join us at this year’s Avant Garden. The night begins in the galleries with dinner and our celebrated art auction. Then, the party spills into the tent on the Walker hillside with drinks, dancing, and photo-ready moments at every turn.
The grand finale? A high-glam, high-energy DJ set from Trixie Mattel—drag superstar, chart-topping musician, and beloved icon—who brings serious fun (and fabulous hair) to the booth.
Our gala brings together bold art, spirited community, and the freedom to find your joy. How do you dress to PLAY? Wear your wildest prints, mix materials, and layer however you like.
It isn’t just a party. It’s a reminder that creativity and camraderie still matter, and always will.
All proceeds support the Walker’s award-winning artistic and community programming.
TICKETING
Platinum Table ($25,000) Package for 10 guests
Cocktail reception, gourmet full-service dinner at a seated table with premier placement in the Walker galleries, silent art auction, and live program. Dinner entry begins at 5 pm. Includes admission to the Party.
Gold Table ($20,000) Package for 10 guests
All of the above, with preferred placement.
Silver Table ($15,000)
$15,000 Package for 10 guests
All of the above, with general placement.
Dinner Ticket* ($1,500)
For one guest
All of the above, with open seating.
*not yet available for purchase
Enjoy the legendary late-night experience featuring photo ops, a drink ticket, and a selection of cocktail snacks. The Party begins at 8:30 pm.
Elevate Your Late-Night ($6,000) (SOLD OUT)
Add to any experience: Reserved lounge and unlimited drinks near the dance floor (opens at 8:30 pm and seats up to 10 ticket holders).
AVANT GARDEN 2025 CO-CHAIRS
Ana Haqq
John Higgins
AUCTION CO-CHAIRS
Molly Rand
Dean Salita
BIPOC ARTIST FUND CO-CHAIRS
Gabrielle Grier
Natalie Morrow
SPONSORSHIP COMMITTEE
Ellie Anderson
Chris Haqq
William Lively
Aaron Mack
Sean Reilly
Jeff Sunberg
TABLE COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS
Kathleen Baradaran
Muffy MacMillan
TABLE COMMITTEE
Ellie Anderson
Tara Dev
Christopher Hermann
PARTY TICKET COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS
Kerry Ciardelli-Chevalier
Jahna Peloquin
PARTY TICKET COMMITTEE
Jennifer Berg
Susan Lepkke
Susan Blaska Lindahl
Christopheraaron Deanes
Davee Ek
Leslie Firkins
Maddy Higgins
Bobbi Jo Lamar Brunson
Bryan Lee
Camille Metty
Richard Moody
Adair Mosley
Madeline Nachbar
Shayla Owodunni
Jeffery Perkey
Bryan Pieper
Kathy Reilly
Becky Salita
Vitoria Sass
Patrick Shelton
Gayle Smaller, Jr.
Robert Spikings
Nicole Sunberg
Sarah Lee Winstead
Sade Young
Accessibility
For more information about accessibility at the Walker, visit our Access page.
To request additional accommodations or for more information about accessibility, call 612-375-7641 or email donors@walkerart.org.
Before Your Visit
Paid underground parking is available on-site. Enter the ramp on Vineland Place at Bryant Avenue. Biking or taking Metro Transit? Learn more.
Visiting the galleries? Enhance your experience by joining a public tour or with self-guided resources accessible for free on Bloomberg Connects.
Personal photography is permitted throughout the Walker and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, but please turn off the flash when visiting the galleries.
To help us promote future events and programs, this event may be photographed or recorded. By attending, you consent to appear in this documentation and its future use by the museum. Please let staff know upon arrival if you prefer not to be photographed.
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