Barrett Barrera Projects presented Cocktails and Curators, an event honoring of Franklin Sirmans and hosted by Dapper Dan
On December 7, 2019, Larry Ossei-Mensah and Amani Olu, Founders of Cocktails and Curators, honored Franklin Sirmans, Director of the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM). The 2019 edition of Cocktails and Curators was hosted by Dapper Dan and presented by Barrett Barrera Projects, a St. Louis based group of originators that redefine art, fashion, and cultural experiences.
Susan Barrett, Larry Ossei-mensah, Amani Olu, Franklin Sirmans
Guests included: Dapper Dan, Marc Spiegler, Nicole Berry, Alice Gray Stites, Monique Meloche, Taylor Aldridge, Rachael Barrett, Nia Batts, Susan Barrett, Zoe Lukov, Dejha Carrington, Theresa Chromati, Amand a Coulson, David Cruz, Eric Gleason, Jackie Greenberg, Coby Kennedy, Patricia Kleh, Shaun Leonardo, Stephanie Baptist, Jessica Lynn, Mario Moore, Amani Olu, Larry Ossei-Mensah, Lee Quinones, Dread Scott, Courtney Willis Blair, Michael Lackwood and Ester Park.
Amani Olu, Dapper Dan, Susan Barrett, Larry Ossei-mensah
In the company of Teresita Fernández’s stunning new exhibition Elemental, co-curated by Franklin Sirmans, guests enjoyed charcuterie and were able to make their own Glyph whiskey using the brand’s 24-hour molecular approach to spirit making. Lively conversations about the diversity and the current climate of the art world ensued before Sirmans was presented an award for his contributions to the field of contemporary art.
Jackie Greenberg, Ronnie Greenberg, Jane Greenberg, Susan Barrett
“Franklin has demonstrated that a museum is most successful when it can engage with the larger community,” Susan Barrett, President of Barrett Barrera Projects, said. “Whether by inviting local students to share their own music and performances responding to gun violence, or working on projects addressing climate change in the parts of Miami that may end up underwater.”
Susan Barrett, Franklin Sirmans
Following Barrett’s remarks, Sirmans delivered a keynote speech on the significance of representation in the arts and the importance of a curatorial vision that speaks to the most pressing issues of our time. He discussed his trajectory in the art world and thanked all of those involved for their contributions to creating space for people of color, in the worlds of art, fashion and beyond.
Image credits: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com