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Hospitality Meets Art: Great Performances at Four Freedoms Park with Ai Weiwei’s Camouflage

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Camouflage by Ai Weiwei Opening | Four Freedoms Park | Linda Abbey, Senior Vice President

Great Performances was honored to once again partner with Four Freedoms Park, a cultural nonprofit dedicated to celebrating Franklin D. Roosevelt’s legacy, for the opening of Ai Weiwei’s Camouflage installation. As a long-term and trusted catering partner for the park, GP helped create a welcoming, contemporary cocktail reception that complemented the powerful art on view. For Linda Abbey — who has been with GP since its earliest days and who has a deep admiration for Ai Weiwei — the event was especially meaningful.

Have you ever taken the tram at 59th Street? It is quite thrilling to ascend over the East River to Roosevelt Island, and the ride is always much too short. What awaits on the Island, however, is the magnificent and evocative Four Freedoms Park — the bucolic four-acre memorial to Franklin D. Roosevelt celebrating the Four Freedoms he articulated in his 1941 State of the Union address: the freedoms of speech and worship, and the freedoms from want and fear.

While the Park itself is inviting with stunning views of Manhattan’s East Side, it is currently even more so with Camouflage, an art installation by activist Chinese artist Ai Weiwei. The exhibit is his “personal commentary on what is unfolding politically and culturally in our time.” Sections of the park are covered with camouflage netting intended to provoke discussion about the current administration’s efforts to shape public discourse. Visitors are encouraged to participate by writing wishes on ribbons that are then attached to the netting.

The camouflage, however, has a whimsical touch. Look closely and you will see patterns of cats — and, if you have the patience, a single dog. It is intentionally not military, as that pattern implies harm. Instead, the cat motif pays homage to the cat rescue shelter near the park. “I believe you can judge a society’s humanity by how it treats animals,” the artist explained. The exhibit runs through November 10th.

This year, the opening reception returned to the park after several years at 620 Loft & Garden. The directive — guided by Howard Axel, CEO of Four Freedoms Park and a longtime friend of GP — was to create the feel of a contemporary art opening. Howard envisioned a lively, cocktail-style evening that matched the vibrancy of the exhibit. Great Performances designed a passed hors d’oeuvres and bar menu that was balanced, seasonal, and celebratory.

The weather was perfect, the art was inspiring, and the company was delightful. At one point, I ran into an old colleague from my days managing a GP venue, who later wrote to say how delicious the food was — and even asked GP to cater a personal event. These moments always remind me how food, art, and community intersect in meaningful ways.

Great Performances has partnered with Four Freedoms Park for many years, supporting this cultural landmark with thoughtful hospitality that enhances its art, architecture, and views. It was a privilege to help bring this extraordinary evening to life.

Event Gallery

Event Menu

  • Mushroom Mole Taco (Vegan, GF)

  • Burrata Peperonata Tart (Vegetarian)

  • Peruvian Potato Cup with Comté Fondue (Vegetarian, GF)

  • Smoked Salmon Napoleon with Horseradish Cream and Dill

  • Coconut Shrimp with Apricot Mustard

  • BBQ Short Rib with Roasted Poblano and Stone Ground Grits

  • Reuben Fritters with Corned Beef, Sauerkraut, Swiss Cheese & Russian Dressing

  • Pulled Poblano Lime Chicken with Crisp Grits Cake, Pickled Shallot & Ricotta Salata

  • Raspberry Hibiscus Mule (Vodka, Raspberry, Hibiscus, Ginger Beer)

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