Our Artful Hearts Are Full!
It takes all of us to make a gala.
We knew 2025 would be no ordinary year - and in the thick of the unpredictable, NIAD’s community came together for Artful like never before.
Through the gift of your presence and participation, you set records for raising funds and resources that are critical to NIAD artists’ success. And as a part of NIAD’s community of support - artists, families, staff members, donors, volunteers, first-time and long-time guests, and partners - you ensured that as we look toward the uncertainty of the future, NIAD and its artists will thrive.
To NIAD artist Marlon Mullen—the work you have done over nearly four decades at NIAD to raise visibility for artists with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and your artistic excellence as the first artist with developmental disabilities to exhibit in a solo exhibition at NY MoMA, is remarkable. It was an honor to celebrate you at Artful.
To our Keynote Speaker Ann Temkin—a shaper and creator of art worlds, we couldn’t have imagined celebrating Marlon’s successes and marking this milestone year without you. In the words of our audience members, you embody inclusivity and vision in the arts. You have our deepest gratitude for making Artful - and this year in NIAD’s history - such a success.
To all NIAD artists—thank you for sharing your creativity and redefining what’s possible. Special thanks to all NIAD artists in attendance on Saturday, and to artist family members who ensure we all shine: Karen May, Maria Radilla, Shawn Sanders, MiaMya Dawson, Halisi Noel-Johnson, Julie Macdonald, Jonathan Valdivias, Heather Copus, Marlon Mullen, and Shantae Robinson. You made the party!
To our incredible Live Auction artists—Alicia McCarthy, Arleene Correa Valencia, Arstanda Billy White, Emma Kohlmann, Julia Goodman, Karen May, Maria Guzman Capron, Marlon Mullen, Muzae Sesay, and Sylvia Fragoso. Your generosity and talent made the night unforgettable. And a huge thank you to our wonderful auctioneer, Aaron Bastian of Bonhams!
To Ben Choi—longtime NIAD Board Member and, as we now know, a fabulous emcee!
To our Artful Event Committee—thank you for your dedication, and special gratitude to Alexis Gordon from BAMPFA for introducing NIAD to so many new friends. Shout-out to Tessa Blumenberg for helping us redefine our annual fundraiser with gorgeous results.
To our hosts and partners—Deborah and Andy Rappaport, Julie Casemore, Michael Rubel, Aimee LeDuc, Janie Perez-Radler, Joey Enos (our amazing board member!), Ryan Whelan, and the entire Minnesota Street Project team—thank you for welcoming us with warmth and generosity.
Artful Sponsors—we are beyond grateful for your support: Adams and Ollman, Alexandra McFarland, Amy Hosa, Anglim Trimble, Anthony Meier Gallery, Antonia and Matthew Dapena-Tretter, Arup, Bass and Reiner, Ben Choi and Erica Milsom, Bonhams, Casemore Gallery, Donkey and Goat Winery, Gallery Wendi Norris, Hammerling Wines, Helpers Community, Kitchentown, Kimberlee Swig, Magic Cabinet, Mari Iki, Minnesota Street Project, Nicole Ferdinando, Pamela Martin, Paulson Fontaine Press, Small Works SF.
NIAD staff—your passion and hard work create a space where artists thrive. Thank you for contributing so much to Artful’s success! And a special shout out to NIAD Executive Director Amanda Eicher and Development Director Rebecca Teague for dreaming Artful into being!
Volunteers—we see you, we appreciate you, and we couldn’t do this without you: Shuyu Chen, Ruben Brunk, Ann Kappes, Maria Yates, Victoria Salinas, Alisa Polischuk, Lisa Nuñez Hancock, Hailey B, Lydia Pierce Chong, Leila Weefur, Erin McFarland, Melina Taylor, Rebecca Raney, Dale Goodman, Nicole Dickerson, Aimee Graham, Libby Black, and the Arup volunteer crew!
And, of course, NIAD’s Board of Directors: Alexandra McFarland, Lauren Vassell, Dave Moore, Pam Martin, Jay Youngdahl, Nicole Ferdinando, Joey Enos, Devin Malone, Lizeht Zepeda, Ben Choi.
From all of us at NIAD—thank you for making Artful a resounding success. Your generosity and belief in NIAD artists mean the world to us. And to those of you who long for a Richmond community celebration, mark your calendars for Win Win: Championship Belt Edition, coming to 23rd Street on June 7, 2025!
