AGO’s Massive Party is back with a flamboyance that’s, well, massive

The AGO’s annual spring art fling, Massive Party, is hitting the gallery on April 14 this year. The theme for the fundraiser is inspired by European patron of the arts Marchesa Luisa Casati’s legendary parties held at her Venetian palazzo and at the Palais Rose in Paris. The AGO even insists Casati herself will re-emerge to host the party as one last art soirée and promises an unforgettable evening (most ghost-hosted parties are; Casati died in 1957). Considering Casati was known for her style and eccentricity—she infamously took nightly strolls clad in fur while leading cheetahs on diamond-studded leashes, was attended by nude servants gilded in gold leaf, and included wax mannequins as guests at her dining table—we hope this year’s Massive Party will be equally fabulous.

Admission to the seventh annual event is $150 for non-members and $125 for members, which includes an open bar, hors d’oeuvre, entertainment and art installations from Toronto artists, including Ame Henderson, Allyson Mitchell, Jamie Shannon, Camilla Singh and Walter Willems. Montreal’s DJ jojoflores as well as Tanika Charles aka Mz. Chawls and The Wonderfuls, Deejay L’Oqenz, Vinny Gruvhunter and Morgan Shim provide musical entertainment and guests are encouraged to find sartorial inspiration from Casati’s dramatic flair, or to come dressed as their favourite artist. Perhaps one of the many that immortalized Casati herself?

Massive Party, AGO, 317 Dundas St. W. ago.net/massive. $150; members, $125.