The Phillips Collection celebrated romance and friendship with its “Love is Love is Love” event on Feb. 2. The sold-out event was part of the “Phillips After 5” series where once a month, the Phillips stays open for special late hours, until 8:30 p.m., to offer activities for its members and the public.
Guests were able to wander through the museum’s permanent collection and gallery talks were offered every half hour. Be Steadwell, a self-described “queer pop” artist specializing in jazz, a cappella and folk music, performed various love songs including “My Girl” by The Temptations and “Starving” by Hailee Steinfeld and Zedd.
Upstairs, tables with pairs of chairs were set up for a “speed-friending” activity. Each table had cards with art-related questions such as, “If money weren’t an issue, what painting would you buy for someone meaningful in your life?” In the basement level, tables had baskets with crafting supplies and visitors could make their own Valentine’s Day cards.
The cash bar offered beer, white wines, light snacks and a “Love Potion Punch” cocktail. A nearby table offered cocoa nibs and hot water to make chocolate tea. In the gallery store, visitors could sample international sweet, spicy, dark and milk chocolates. The chocolate tea wasn’t impressive and tasted more like earth and roots than chocolate, but the international chocolate was delicious.
The highlight of the night was Be Steadwell’s intimate live musical performance. She was joined by a few other musical guests, and the music room remained the most crowded area of the entire museum the whole night. The Valentine’s Day card making stations were the second most popular activity among guests.
The crowd included many young people, as well as many couples enjoying a night out. Overall, the night was fun, casual and interactive, giving visitors an opportunity to mingle with one another while enjoying the art.
“Phillips after 5” events take place on the first Thursday of each month. The next event is “A Night in Montmarte” on March 2, celebrating the work of 19th century French painter Toulouse-Lautrec.
