People standing and sitting in a ballroom.

Portland Art Museum Gala: December 12, 2025

On December 12, 2025, we will gather for the Portland Art Museum Gala—a joyous celebration of art, legacy, and the beginning of a new era for our Museum. This unforgettable evening will mark our first black-tie gathering in the beautifully transformed campus, and we cannot wait to share it with you.

Supporting our inaugural year

Proceeds from the event will directly support our inaugural year of programming— 34 exhibitions presented across our newly transformed campus—ensuring that art remains accessible, dynamic, and deeply connected to our community.

This landmark season features exhibitions that span genres and mediums, engaging audiences through an immersive installation by Pipilotti Rist, bold installations by artists such as Marie Watt and Ugo Rondinone, and intimate works on paper by Paul Harris. In our transformed spaces, nearly 300 newly acquired works will be on view, complemented by major presentations of artists including Mark Rothko, Rick Bartow, and Mary Henry.

Funds from the evening will also support our Inaugural Year visiting artist series, including Marco Brambilla, Nick Cave, Jeffrey Gibson, Christopher Myers, and Esperanza Spalding.

Painting of an abstract sun with bright yellow, orange, and red lines
Mary Henry (American, 1913-2009), Apollo’s Trip, 1977, acrylic on canvas, 49 1/2 in x 71 in x 2 in. Gift of Suzanne and John Rahn through Bill Rhoades.  © Mary Henry Estate. Portland Art Museum, Portland, Oregon. 2014.42.4

Honoring visionary artists

At this momentous point in our Museum’s history, we honor Carrie Mae Weems and the Rothko Family—two artistic legacies rooted in our city whose influence extends far beyond it.

Black and white triptych with a black woman and young black girl at a kitchen table
Carrie Mae Weems, Untitled (Woman with daughter), from the series Kitchen Table, 1990, gelatin silver prints, Gift of the Contemporary Art Council, © Carrie Mae Weems. Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York., 94.19a-c

Carrie Mae Weems

Born in Portland, Oregon, Carrie Mae Weems is a profoundly influential artist whose work has shaped contemporary culture and remains deeply connected to her hometown.

A MacArthur Fellow and Hasselblad Award winner, she continues to break new ground, most recently as the first Black woman to receive a retrospective at the Guggenheim.

The Rothko Family

Mark Rothko, a pioneer of modern art, spent his formative years in Portland. The Portland Art Museum was among the first museums to exhibit his work, and the Rothko Pavilion stands as a testament to his lasting influence. 

We honor both Rothko and the Rothko family, who have carried his legacy forward with vision and generosity, reflecting a shared belief in a vibrant creative future for PAM and for Portland. 

Their story bridges our city to the global history of art and to one of modernism’s most iconic names.

A person painting on a large canvas in a studio.
Mark Rothko painting in his 53rd st. New York Studio c. 1953, Photographer: Henry Elkin © 2011 Kate Rothko Prizel and Christopher Rothko

The Event

The black tie evening begins with cocktails in the luminous new Rothko Pavilion, where guests will mingle amidst soaring glass walls and world-class art. From there, you’ll enjoy a lavish dinner inspired by the bounty and beauty of the Pacific Northwest, featuring seasonal ingredients at the height of their flavor.

This special evening is devoted entirely to art and community—there will be no paddle raise or fundraising appeals. Your sponsorship or ticket purchase directly powers our impact.

Lead Sponsor – $50,000

Major Sponsor – $30,000

Table Sponsor – $15,000

Individual Tickets 
Individual tickets to be announced in the fall and subject to availability. 

To purchase a table or inquire about partnership opportunities, please contact: 
Harper Brokaw-Falbo
Donor Engagement Manager
sponsorship@pam.org | 503.276.4297

Thank you to our generous supporters

Lead Sponsor

  • Fred and Gail Jubitz

Major Sponsor

  • Pat and Trudy Ritz

Sponsors

  • Sharon and Keith Barnes
  • Dan Bergsvik and Donald Hastler
  • CCS Fundraising
  • Janet H. Geary and John Miller
  • Thomas S. Hicks
  • The Ritz-Carlton
  • Cheryl Tonkin
  • Wendy Warren and Thomas Brown
  • Kim Ziebell
CCS Fundraising
The Ritz-Carlton
A large bronze sculpture in the shape of a ring.
Ugo Rondinone, the sun, 2018, gilded bronze. Contemporary Art Purchase Fund, funds provided by Frances and John von Schlegell. © Ugo Rondinone, Courtesy of the artist and Gladstone Gallery, Photo by David Regen. Portland Art Museum, Portland, Oregon.