Art:Forward Gala

Events

Save the date

  • Saturday, September 19, 2026

Since opening in 2001, the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Santiago Calatrava–designed Quadracci Pavilion has been the site of unforgettable experiences—exhibitions that spark the imagination, civic moments that unite the city, and first encounters with art that leave a lasting impression. As we celebrate 25 years of Milwaukee’s most iconic space, we’re not just looking back—we are inviting you to be part of what’s next.

Mark your calendars and join us for a truly memorable evening of dinner, dancing, and celebration under the wings.

View highlights from the 2025 event

See photos (opens in new window)

Contact

For questions about the gala or Museum support opportunities, please contact Sarah Kolar, manager of stewardship and donor events, at 414-224-3259 or sarah.kolar@mam.org.

2025 Support

Host committee

  • Laura and Mike Arnow

  • Donna and Donald Baumgartner

  • Geralyn Cannon

  • Tony and Vicki Cecalupo

  • Sallie O. Davis

  • Joan Lubar and John Crouch

  • Sheldon and Marianne Lubar

  • Jane Bradley Pettit Foundation

  • David and Julia Uihlein

  • Lynde B. Uihlein

  • Gail and Jeff Yabuki

  • Sarah and Steve Zimmerman

Art patrons

  • Baird

  • J. Jeffers & Co.

  • James K. Kloppenburg

  • Elizabeth Levins and Herbert Zien

Supporters

  • Associated Bank

  • BMO Wealth Management

  • Brewers Community Foundation

  • Ellen and Joe Checota

  • Eugenia and David Coggin

  • Katie Heil

  • Thomas Hesselbrock and Carl Spatz

  • Johnson Controls

  • Tom and Jane Lacy

  • Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

  • Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c.

  • John Shannon and Jan Serr, GUARDIAN Fine Art Services

  • Diane and Clark Slipher

  • Amalia Todryk and Quarles & Brady LLP

  • U.S. Bank

Leaders

  • Barbara Meyer Elsner Foundation

  • GRAEF

  • Kim Hurtado

  • Grant and Carrie Killoran

  • Tom and Cynthia LaConte

  • PNC

  • Wealthspire Advisors

Individual supporters

  • Daniel and Linda Bader

  • Paul E. Barkhaus

  • Diann Baumann

  • CG Schmidt, Inc.

  • Mauree Childress

  • Mary and James Connelly

  • Amy and Frederick Croen

  • Elizabeth Dimmitt

  • Drs. Agnes and Daniel Domagala, Major Dental Clinics

  • McKenzie and Jason Edmonds

  • Laura and John Emory, Jr.

  • Ellen and James Flesch

  • Robert and Susan Forrer

  • Ellen and Richard Glaisner

  • Dr. Shaheda Govani and Neil DeKarske

  • Kurt and Charmaine Gunderson

  • Matthew Helmerich and Jeffrey Harwell

  • Renée Herzing

  • Gail Hesselbrock

  • Megan Holbrook

  • Sarah Kwon and Craig Johnson, Hardesty & Hanover

  • Mike Jones and Peggy Mead

  • Shinji Lee Kaiser

  • Mason Khan

  • Brittany Kinser

  • Abimbola Kolawole and Beth Ridley

  • Tony and Sue Krausen

  • Raymond and Barbara Krueger

  • Peter Kudlata and Margie Freeman Kudlata

  • William and Margaret Lidstone

  • Wayne and Kristine Lueders

  • Korinne Mack

  • Ali and Halah Maykhan, The Sigma Group

  • Sandra and Marc McSweeney

  • Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

  • Sarah Mulloy

  • Jill G. Pelisek

  • Jim and Karen Petric

  • Emma Rarick

  • Colleen Reilly and Dan Ryan

  • Dennis Sheahan

  • Kristin and John Sheehan

  • Pamela and Jeffrey Shovers

  • Dan and Pam Somers, Pam’s Hair Care LLC

  • Sally and Steve Stevens

  • Christine A. Symchych and James P. McNulty

  • Alexander and Lily Uihlein

  • Kent and Marcia Velde

  • Anonymous (3)

Special thanks to

  • Events by Design logo
  • J Jeffers logo

  • La Tulipe

  • Alyssa Quinlan

  • Freeman’s Hindman logo

  • As of September 20, 2025