Hammer Director Ann Philbin was given the celebrity treatment at the museum’s star-packed gala Saturday night as a host of arts and culture luminaries, including Jodie Foster, Mark Bradford, Hilton Als , k.d. lang, Lari Pittman and Will Ferrell took to the stage during an elaborate sit-down dinner to sing her praises as she readies to retire after 25 years .
Guest speakers took on a tone of reverence as they paid tribute to Philbin’s many accomplishments, noting that she had emerged as a trailblazer, helping to transform the arts landscape in Los Angeles with her deep historical knowledge, her commitment to up-and-coming artists and her enthusiasm for a scene that in the last quarter-century has seen Los Angeles define itself as one of the world’s preeminent meccas of fine art.
Artist Bradford recalled meeting Philbin in 1999, a time when he didn’t know if he’d be able to scrape together a few dollars to pay the valet after attending parties she’d invited him to. He remembered her as both bold and vulnerable — a woman who could persuade collectors to give her their finest pieces while at the same time worrying about whether or not her haircut was up to par.