Avant Garden 2026

Mark your calendar for the only party where extraordinary is expected.

Our annual gala includes art, fashion, and the celebrated art auction in the galleries. Then, descend underground into a rave-inspired, high-fashion dance hall filled with texture, light, and sound. This not-to-be-missed event is truly the “party of the year” (Minnesota Star Tribune).

DJ Skee headlines this year’s late-night party. A genre-defying tastemaker credited by Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, and Post Malone, he brings a rave-inspired playlist that gets everyone moving. We guarantee a good time.

All proceeds support the Walker Art Center’s award-winning programs.

TICKETING

Party Ticket ($150) For one guest
Enjoy an underground, late-night experience featuring photo ops, a drink ticket, and a selection of cocktail snacks. The Party begins at 8:30 pm.

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. 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) Package for 10 guests 
All of the above, with general placement.

Elevate Your Late-Night ($7,500)
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 2026 CO-CHAIRS

Peter Lindahl
Susan Blaska Lindahl

AUCTION CO-CHAIRS

Art – Molly Pfohl Rand
Experience – Dean Salita

BIPOC ARTIST FUND COMMITTEE

Gabriel Grier
Taylor Jasper
Megan Leafblad
Natalie Morrow
Gayle Smaller Jr.

SPONSORSHIP COMMITTEE

Ellie Anderson
Aaron Mack
Sean Reilly

TABLE COMMITTEE

Kathie Cafesjian Baradaran
Tara Dev
Ana Haqq
Jansel Hutton Kelly

PARTY TICKET COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS

Bryan Pieper
Sarah Lee Winstead

PARTY TICKET COMMITTEE

Heidi Ault
Corrie Beitler
Jennifer Berg
Natalie Burns
Kerry Ciardelli-Chevalier
Nyajouk Deng
Davee Ek
Leslie Firkins
Ashley Wong Grossman
Bryan Lee
Susan Leppke
Marc Lundeen
Camille Metty
Richard Moody
Adair Mosley
Jahna Peloquin
Jeffery Perkey
Jessica Prudden
Kathy Reilly
Connor Remes
Patrick Shelton
Gayle Smaller Jr.
Robert Spikings
Nicole Sunberg
Alexis Walsko
Sade Young