Last night I experienced a quarter-life crisis. I got all glammed up, got lost at a party, and danced the night away with people I had never met. But I wasn’t alone, it seemed like Toronto’s arts community was doing the same thing. We were all having a ball at the Power Ball: Quarter-Life Crisis.

More than 1,700 guests from Toronto’s art, fashion and entertainment communities attended the sold out party, honouring The Power Plant’s 25^th anniversary. As the premiere fundraising event for the gallery, Power Ball never disappoints.  Part social soiree, part dance-off, and part art exhibition the hosts always create a memorable experience so that guests return annually to support The Power Plant and their programming.

So what exactly is a quarter-life crisis? The party’s theme intended to capture the spirit of life at a turning point and encapsulate the naivety and reality of life in its first quarter century. Rui Amaral, co-chair of this year’s party, said “We are celebrating the best and worst of turning 25 – self doubt, social and economic anxiety, and the balance between holding on a letting go.”

And let go they did.
 

Los Angeles-based DJ Alex Merrell and Toronto native Brendan Fallis had partiers dancing from beginning to end. People grooved (and even spent time on the swing!!) under enormous projections of Toronto-based artist Jesi the Elder’s wild animations. Then they got down beneath Philippe Blanchard’s sculptures featuring his eye-popping expanded animation created from multi-coloured (RGB) prints lit by LED strobe lights. His gallery space felt more like a psychedelic cave. Local artists Sarah Febbraro, Jesse Harris and Marisa Hoicka also produced works to make The Power Plant look fantastic!

Then there was the Range Rover. People took out there creativity on the brand new white SUV by scribbling doodles and writing messages over the entire exterior. It looked amazing!! The candy buffet, piñatas and mini mac and cheese plates also made for a fun a playful atmosphere.
 

The best thing about Power Ball is that you never know what to expect. The outfits are the most extreme out of any of the major Toronto art parties and the crowd is totally diverse. It’s not your typical stop on the fundraising circuit. Each room in The Power Plant is a completely different experience with a unique vibe that adds to the overall theme. There is something for everyone at Power Ball, and if you’ve never been, I encourage you to grab your ticket next year to see it for yourself!