11 May Art People Party: GRUNGE
Photos: Lali Chikobava
On April 24th, 2026, our annual fundraising celebration, Art People Party, got a gritty makeover with a ’90s grunge theme, making for an unforgettable night where art, attitude, and community collided.
The evening was inspired by the raw spirit of the 1990s, complete with edgy fashion, immersive décor, nostalgic music, and iconic grunge vibes. Guests were encouraged to lean into their inner alt-icon with layered plaids, vintage tees, flannel, and combat boots as they mixed, mingled, and rocked out in support of ACP’s vibrant programs. The night included an open beer and wine bar, dinner, a DJ dance party, immersive photo and video moments, and live art-making.
Also, our beloved Tombola art experience returned to our Taplin gallery. Tombola is a fast-paced Italian-style art lottery where all participants are guaranteed to go home with a piece of art. After previewing the works, on view at the party and a special preview exhibition preceding the event, participating guests had just a few moments to select their favorite work once their unique number was called. Every Tombola ticket holder went home with an original piece of artwork (valued at $350+) donated by talented regional artists such as Aaron Fisher, Lisa Granozio, Charles David Viera, Andrew Wilkinson, Sonya Yaco, and many more.
This year featured an exciting new silent auction line up. Bidding opened up weeks before the event and ran until 10pm Art People Party night. People could bid from the comfort of their homes or in-person at the event. Bidding items included experiences, travel, amenities, and of course art. Some prizes of the night were: a one week stay in Paris, free parking in the ACP parking lot for one year, custom dog or cat sculpture by 2025 Artist-in-Residence Victor Bell, private ceramic lesson with ACP Executive Director Adam Welch, private guided tour at the Met, and so much more.
2026 Honoree: Michael Monarca
This year, Art People Party honored Graduate Princeton’s Michael Monarca, who has been instrumental in so much of the ACP’s work, and the broader Princeton community. “From day one, Michael has championed ACP, consistently finding creative ways to support our mission of Building Community through the Arts and raising critical funds for beloved community events like Princeton Porchfest,” shared Adam Welch, ACP Executive Director. “His leadership reflects a deep belief in the power of the arts to bring people together, and we are thrilled to celebrate his impact.”
Of course, Art People Party would not be possible without our generous sponsors. Below is the list of everyone who helped make the night spectacular. If you are interested in sponsoring the 2027 Art People Party, more information can be found here.
BENEFACTOR
Timothy M. Andrews
MUSE
PHILIP E. CLIPPINGER & DR. MELISSA MARKS
LYDIA & JOHAN PFEIFFER
PATRICK DE MAYNADIER
DEVOTEE
MELANIE & JOHN CLARKE
ANNE & GADI DECHTER
TAMARA FRANKLIN
SALLY L. FINEBURG
KATHY & JAMIE HERRING
MARYELLEN MCQUADE & DAVID CHUNG
JAMIE PHARES
EMILY K. REEVES
ELISA & RICHARD ROSEN
Shideh & Paul Theunissen
ANNE M. VANLENT
ROSALIE WOLARSKY
KAREN & TOM WILKINSON
Kirsten Zinchuk Haley
