Vanguard Culture’s signature Artist @ the Table – Gala Fundraiser on Saturday, May 18, 2024 featured legendary artist Jean-Michel Basquiat’s sisters Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux. It was a true honor to meet the women responsible for safekeeping the tremendous creative legacy and estate of one of the most notable artists in modern history.

Guests enjoyed wine tastings from the Valle de Guadalupe presented by Baja Wine + Food and delicious culinary bites by eight of the region’s most talented chefs – each tasked with creating an appetizer inspired by Basquiat’s work.

Featuring a powerhouse celebrity chef and winemaker lineup curated by Wine Director Fernando Gaxiola, Director of Baja Wine & Food and Culinary Director, the multi-award-winning Chef Flor Franco of Casa de Flor.

Attendees VOTED for their favorite culinary design and flaunted their most colorful / artful outfit at our urban photo station by renowned photographer Josue Castro. Featuring live music by Afro-Caribbean band Cacique & BMA Image Award-winning jazz harpist Mariea Antoinette; fragrant soap samples by Early Girl Creations at the Soap Factory, and amazing auction items and experiences!

This first-event gala fundraiser, supports Vanguard Culture’s mission to advance San Diego’s creative workforce. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation of any amount to help us keep our creative industries alive. Thank you!

ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960–1988) was a Puerto Rican/Haitian American artist known for his neo-expressionist paintings and graffiti art. Basquiat was and is still considered a ground-breaking artist in the neo-expressionism art movement. A young black artist, his artwork dealt with themes of racism, classism, colonialism, and other power structures and their effects on U.S. society.