Lanterns From Artist Jorge Pardo Illuminate Hammer Museum Gala

The Hammer Museum’s ninth annual Gala in the Garden—held in the museum's courtyard on Saturday—raised more than $1.7 million and included some highly valuable and unique event decor: L.A.-based artist Jorge Pardo created a special edition of brightly colored lanterns that hung overhead. The lamps are red, orange, and white and come in strands of different lengths; the most expensive are valued at $50,000. The lanterns will remain on view through October 14, and garlands will be available for sale through Gagosian Gallery, and will be on display at Gagosian locations in Beverly Hills and New York. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Hammer’s exhibitions and public programs.

The event was orchestrated by deputy director of advancement Jennifer Wells Green, senior manager of donor relations David Morehouse, and manager of development events Jimmy Freeman. About 600 guests attended the gala, where Mitie Tucker Event Production collaborated on the decor, which referenced both the event's honorees, with bold colors like those often used in artist Lari Pittman's work and in cartoons such as Matt Groening's The Simpsons. Dandelion Ranch handled the flowers. And Bruno Mars served as the event's first-ever big-name headline musical act, wrapping up the evening with a three-song set.