Artful 2026

On Saturday, March 7, our NIAD community came together at Minnesota Street Project in San Francisco for an unforgettable celebration of NIAD artists—and it was magical. 

With warmth and generosity, we mingled, met new friends and hugged our oldest pals, enjoyed incredible food and wine, bid excitedly on exceptional art, were surprised by a brass band, and left with unique and brilliant pieces for our growing collections. 

Because of our incredible community of supporters, we set records for fundraising and resources that are critical to NIAD artists' success. Our silent auction had a record-breaking year, with 50% of proceeds going directly to artists. In a time of such uncertainty in the world at large, this is incredibly meaningful and ensures NIAD and its artists will thrive.

Image: Halisi Noel-Johnson at Artful 2026, Minnesota Street Project, San Francisco, California. Photo by RJ Mickelson.

Thank You to Our Artists

To our incredible Live Auction artists—Isaac Vazquez Avila, Julio Del Rio, Shawn Sanders and Christopher Robin Duncan, Arstanda Billy White, Julia Schwartz, Julia Goodman, Dorian Reid, Katherine Sherwood, Marlon Mullen, Maryam Yousif, and Karen Barbour. Your generosity and talent made the night unforgettable. And a huge thank you to our wonderful auctioneer, Aaron Bastian of Bonhams!

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: Dorian Reid, Shawn Sanders, Halisi Noel-Johnson, Marlon Mullen, Christian Vassell, Jason Powell-Smith, Rae Lorvick-Patt, and Nakiesha White. You made the party! Special thanks to Halisi Noel-Johnson for her performance during the event.

Image: Honoree Amanda Eicher at Artful 2026, Minnesota Street Project, San Francisco, California. Photo by RJ Mickelson

Thank you to our Artful 2026 Honorees

Pam Martin and Amanda Eicher, whose dedication and joy inspire us all. A special thank you to Studio Director Shantanice Swain for her heartfelt remarks, and to Interim Executive Director Lucy Zimmerman for her powerful welcoming remarks.

Image: Jessica Lasky Catering at Artful 2026, Minnesota Street Project, San Francisco, California. Photo by RJ Mickelson.

Thank You to Our Event Team

Corey Rosen, our fabulous emcee

Aaron Bastian of Bonhams, our wonderful auctioneer, who brought excitement and expertise to the live auction

Jessica Lasky Catering who curated the most delicious meal

Hammerling Wines, thank you!

Brassica who brought the energy and ushered in our live auction with style

Nicolaus Chaffin, Nathaniel Perry, Clarke Selman, and Ryan Whelan for assistance with installing the Artful Silent Auction at MSP.

Allison Hopelain who made every detail of the event so special

Image: Kimberlee Swig and Tom Fowler at Artful 2026, Minnesota Street Project, San Francisco, California. Photo by RJ Mickelson.

Thank You to Our Hosts & Partners

To our hosts and partners—Deborah and Andy Rappaport, Julie Casemore, Michael Rubel, Aimee LeDuc, and the entire Minnesota Street Project team—thank you for welcoming us with warmth and generosity.

Image: Brassica at Artful 2026, Minnesota Street Project, San Francisco, California. Photo by RJ Mickelson.

Thank You to Our Artful Event Committee

Your dedication made this event possible! Special recognition to MacKenzie Stevens and Quintessa Matranga for your leadership.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Alexandra McFarland, Amanda Eicher, Amy Hosa, Anthony Meier, Antonia & Matthew Dapena-Tretter, Bar Agricole, Bonhams, Casemore Gallery, Chandra Cerrito / Art Advisors, East Brother Beer Co., Erica Milsom & Ben Choi, Hammerling Wines, Helpers Community, Object Projects, LLC, Pekut and Carwick Independent Bottlers, Kimberlee Swig, Magic Cabinet, Nielsen Arts Gallery & Custom Framing, Michael May & Mina Ariel Weissman, Minnesota Street Project, Nicole Ferdinando, Pam Martin, Randi & Bob Fisher, Small Works, The John Kalamaras Young Artist Fund

Image: Artful 2026, Minnesota Street Project, San Francisco, California. Photo by RJ Mickelson.

Thank you to NIAD Staff, Board and Volunteers 

NIAD staff— thank you so much for all that you brought to Artful this year – it takes a whole team to make big events happen and we’ve got a really good one. 

Volunteers—we see you, we appreciate you, and we couldn’t do this without you: Emma Spertus, Cazz Altomare, Lisa Núñez-Hancock, Gina Golledge, Victoria Salinas, Amy Ferber, Alisa Polischuk, Ann Kappes, Lisa Zimmer-Chu, Chrissie Bradley, Quintessa Matranga, Rie Dion, Nicole Dickerson, Joe Loria, Nik Sokol, Monica Bhagwan, Rick Dean, Matthew Layag!

NIAD’s Board of Directors— thank you for your steadfast support and leadership: Ben Choi, Lauren Vassell, Dave Moore, Pam Martin, Jay Youngdahl, Nicole Ferdinando, Joey Enos, Devin Malone, Lisa Rybovich Crallé, Margot Norton, Lisa Núñez-Hancock, Maria Naula

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. Mark your calendars for Saturday September 12 at NIAD! We’ll be hosting our biennial fashion show and serving looks that cannot be missed. Can’t wait to see you there!

Image: Aaron Bastian of Bonhams at Artful 2026, Minnesota Street Project, San Francisco, California. Photo by RJ Mickelson.

Image: Dorian Reid and her Live Auction Sculpture at Artful 2026, Minnesota Street Project, San Francisco, California. Photo by RJ Mickelson.

Image: Artful 2026, Minnesota Street Project, San Francisco, California. Photo by RJ Mickelson.

Image: Pam Martin and Shantanice Swain at Artful 2026, Minnesota Street Project, San Francisco, California. Photo by RJ Mickelson.