Art Soirees

This Weekend's Fabulous Tri-State Area Soirees

2010-05-21T11:44:00.000-07:00

For some, New York City is the land of luxury, and even in the most difficult of times, there will always be swanky soirees and fundraisers to attend (or at least read about). Check out some of the hottest art-related social events going on in and around NYC this weekend:

Tonight (Friday, May 21st):

The Chelsea A rt Mus eum hosts the Nanubhai Second Annual Gala at 8pm - featuring a performance by American Idol's Anoop Desai, dances by infin8 Dance and AATMA Performing Arts, and DJ Rahul Bajaj. Other special guests (such as former Miss India USA, actress Melanie Kannokada) will also be in attendance. Tonight's benefit is celebrating the Nanubhai Education Foundation's Sixth Anniversary and will showcase the recent accomplishment of Nanubhai Fellows as well as divulge more about the organization's mission of educating rural youth in India - a truly great cause.

Award-winning nonprofit magazine One Story is hosting its first annual benefit tonight (from 7 - 11pm) at the Old American Can Factory in Brooklyn. The benefit, called the Literary Debutante Ball, is commemorating the magazine's debut and emerging authors with artists, performers and filmmakers producing work inspired by different issues of the magazine. Highlights will include an exhibition and silent auction of original artwork created by over 30 artists (including Alison Taylor and Lothar Osterburg), an interactive dramatic performance produced by Wingspace Theatrical Design, and a formal "presentation" of writers who have made their debuts in One Story.

Tomorrow (Saturday, May 22nd):

The 2010 Gardeners' Fair-African Safari in Old Westbury, New York will take place tomorrow (luckily, it's supposed to be a beautiful day)! The fair, known as a fun and festive benefit, is a long-standing traditional and vital funding source for Old Westbury Gardens. This year's theme, "African Safari," celebrates the Gardens' recent land acquisition and its vast 200 acre landscape. Forbes Traveler has rated Old Westbury Gardens as one of the top ten most beautiful public gardens in the world. As a cultural and historical icon, the Gardens welcomes about 60,000 visitors annually. This weekend's benefit begins at 6pm with a Garden Stroll and Land Rover Tour (followed by cocktails, dinner and dancing).

Sunday (May 23rd):

The VH1 Save the Music Summer Kic k-Off Party will take place at the W Hotel in Hoboken, NJ, as the VH1 Save the Music Foundation and W Hoboken have collaborated on the fundraiser, which is hosted by Foundation Board Member, David Nathan. The event, which takes place from 1 - 4pm, will include brunch-inspired cocktails, an auction and a private acoustic performance by Colbie Caillat - plus a student ensemble composed of VH1 Save the Music students. Proceeds will help restore instrumental music education programs through the country's public schools.

Happy Weekend!

Check out the art events going on throughout the tri-state area during the next month:

The Palo Alto Art Center's Wearable Art Show and Sale

2010-04-16T13:29:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, April 24th, the Palo Alto Art Center will host its sixth annual Wearable Art Show and Sale. "Style 2010," as it's called, features unique artisan-made clothing, jewelry and accessories created by 35 artists from the Bay Area (and beyond). Live models will show off the artists' timeless textiles, classic jewelry and cutting-edge eco-conscious designs, and attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artists in person.

Additionally, the annual event is not only a fashionista haven, but also a key fundraiser for the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation. Style 2010 will benefit children's art education programs at the center.Diane Master, manager of the Gallery Shop at the Palo Alto Art Center, who is producing Style 2010 states,

"Style 2010 is a very exciting show and only gets better every year. This year, we have wearable art to suit all budgets, all ages, and, for the first time this year – men, as well as women! The event is a lot of fun; women help each other select pieces, comment on each others' selections, and then review their purchases over lunch."

Click here for the full details on this unique fashion show fundraiser.

The Whitney's 75th Biennal and Opening Fiesta

2010-03-02T16:22:00.000-08:00

The Whitney Museum of American Art’s 75th Biennale opened last Tuesday to mixed reviews. As some found the show as ho-hum as its title (it’s simply called “2010”), others claim the Biennal’s tamer-than-usual tone is appropriate for the times and that glitzy museum galas (like the MOCA, Los Angeles' over-the-top 30th anniversary party a few months ago) are inappropriate.

While last week's opening bash included a unique blend of guests, which Whitney Biennials have been known for attracting in the past (think Park Avenue meets Williamsburg), the soiree mirrored the subdued "2010." D.J. shErOck provided musical entertainment and the bar was loaded with free-flowing beer and wine, but famed Whitney supporters were seen fleeing the museum even before the doors opened (granted, many V.I.P.s were given a preview of the event beforehand). The general mood, though, was quieter than usual, which may just be a sign of the changing times.

The event wasn’t a total bomb, however, as artist Martin Kersels climbed stairs to the top of his sculpture “Speaker Song” and declared he would remain there for the rest of the evening because his leg, which wore a medicinal brace, got caught while guests chuckled. Many celebs and other V.I.P.s were also in attendance.

The exhibition itself includes the work of only 55 artists (making it the Whitney's second smallest Biennal to date), but each artist was carefully selected and portray their talents through a wide variety of paintings, sculptures, videos, photographs, performances and installations. The displayed works reveal a vast range of responses to the anxious optimism of the moment.

Glitch Generation

2010-02-02T08:44:00.001-08:00

This Thursday, February 4th, the Brooklyn Arts Council's BAC Gallery is hosting a free reception celebrating the opening of "Glitch Generation." The exhibition, on display through June 25th, will display art containing a theme everyone can relate to: making mistakes.

The group exhibition displays the work of artists Brianelectro, Jude Broughan, Loren Erdrich, Scott Fitzgerald, Charles Grute, Valerie Hallier, Shannan Hayes, Nora Herting, Kennedy James, Pozsi Kolor, Mark La Rosa, Thomas Langley, LJ Lindhurst, Linda Stillman and Margo Wolowiec. The artists will be exhibiting pieces that portray mistake - either intentional or found (including "glitches" in the wiring of our brains). Some of the artists crafted unique environments to produce intentional flaws, while others' blunders were created unintentionally.

On April 1st, there will be a Music Performance and on May 6th, the Dumbo, Brooklyn gallery will show a video screening.

This Thursday's opening is from 6 to 8PM.

Click here to read more.

Click here to see what else is going on in the Brooklyn Art Scene

"Live from Detroit, it's Friday Night!"

2010-01-13T13:33:00.001-08:00

The Detroit Institute of Arts is currently hosting "Friday Night Live," a series of events and entertainment occurring every Friday from 6-10pm. The family-friendly program features a mix of activities including live music, art-making workshops, drawing in the galleries and guided tours - all of which are free with museum admission.

Here's some info on the events going on this Friday evening (1/15):

FLY: A talented trio (saxophonist Mark Turner, drummer Jeff Ballard, and bassist Larry Grenadier) perform creative tunes that mix today's popular styles and jazz improv. (image, left)

Bookarts: The Altered Book: A hands-on drop-in workshop where attendees will recycle an old book, turning it into a fabulous work of art.

Drawing in the Galleries for Youth: Children ages 6 to 14 will learn to create pencil drawings. No experience is necessary and materials are provided.

Drawing in the Galleries for Adults: For adolescents and adults (ages 15 and up)

Guided Tours: Two tours, at 6:00 and 7:30 pm showing off museum highlights.

Art Miami Celebrates 20th Anniversary

2009-12-17T15:26:00.001-08:00

Art Miami 2009, Miami's longest running contemporary art fair, celebrated its 20th anniversary during the city's Art Fair Mania in early December, and it seems there was much to be happy about this year. Miami City Commissioner Bruno Barreiro performed the ribbon cutting ceremony, which kicked off the fair on December 1st. The ribbon cutting was followed by a VIP reception. The 6,500-person gala included museum curators, artists (like James Rosenquist and Frank Stella), and famed art collectors from around the world.

It's reported that over 35,000 people visited Art Miami 2009 - up 10% from last year's attendance, and sales were better than anticipated.

Art Maimi is known for displaying high-quality work of a diverse nature. As New York and Palm Beach collector Carol Mack said in a recent Art Daily article,

“It’s a sensational fair, with a great variety of work, something for everybody, a balance of contemporary and modern.” Audrey Gruss concurred. “The fair has an open spacious feeling,” she said. “It’s nice to walk in the wide aisles and look at the art. This is very practical – you can see the art from the distance. It’s easy to find the galleries – the fair is laid out simply and practically. There are wonderful galleries and affordable prices.”

This art fair was also unique among the other Miami art fairs because it included decorative arts, African tribal art, Pre-Columbian Art, Japanese bamboo art, textiles and kiln formed glass.

To read more about the art fair - including the uniformly positive remarks from attendees and galleries and more details on Art Miami 2009, click here.

LA's Star-Studded MoCA Gala

2009-11-24T11:43:00.000-08:00

The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles celebrated it's 30th anniversary with a lavish reception this past weekend. In matching with the traditional glitz and glamour of the LA entertainment / party scene, the museum went to extremes to show that despite its somewhat rocky past (including a slew of funding deficits over the past decade, which ultimately led to the former director's resignation), the museum is back on top.

Dozens of Hollywood (and international) celebrities showed up to celebrate the museum's 30th anniversary - ranging from famed fashion designers like Miuccia Prada to actors, such as Christina Ricci, Eva Mendez, Jessica Alba, and Chloë Sevigny (to name a few) plus musicians including John Legend and Gwen Stefani.

Many art world dignitaries were also in attendance including Frank Gehry, Larry Gagosian, Dasha Zhukova, the Whitney's Adam Weinberg, LACMA's Michael Govan and artists significant to the collection: Paul McCarthy, David Hockney, Doug Aitken, Chris Burden, and Ed Moses , etc.

The list of celebs goes on and on, and to match the extravagance they're all used to, MoCA draped its walls in lavish red velvet and hung numerous immense crystal chandeliers from the ceiling. The guests enjoyed a private preview of the museum's new collection (which Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt seemed to take pleasure in, as evident by many of this week's tabloid photos of the two at the gala).

The party included a performance by the wacky (yet talented) Lady Gaga (image above - wearing a hat designed by Frank Gehry), and after her performance, the piano she played on was auctioned off and Gagosian bought it for $450,000.

To read more about the event (and get the full list of attendees), click here.

To see what's going on at the MoCA, click here.

Robert Bergman's Three New Shows

2009-11-03T14:05:00.000-08:00

(Photo: Robert Bergman. © Robert Bergman and courtesy of the artist and Yossi Milo Gallery, New York)

Photographer Robert Bergman, whose last gallery show was in 1964 at age 20, is debuting his work at three venues. His portraits of everyday people, which are shot with natural light and unaltered surroundings, will be on exhibit at P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center, Chelsea's Yossi Milo Gallery, and at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.

Bergman received some attention during the late 1990s when Pantheon published a collection of his photographs, but the artist has spent most of his career avoiding the spotlight.

In a recent NY Magazine article, the Photographer states,

“This curator offered me a one-man show when I was in my early twenties, which I turned down. He thought I had a mature vision, but I didn’t feel ready.” At one point in the seventies, wealthy collectors who were helping Bergman out financially began to meddle in his process, whereupon, he says, “I decided to just drop out of sight and not relate to the art world.” When people called to buy prints, he’d claim to be someone else, to make them go away. “I just didn’t fit in. I’m the obverse of a careerist: so isolated, so neurotic, so despairing, so tormented with various obsessions.”

Bergman discusses the essence of his three shows,

The core of all three shows is the set of lush, painterly portraits he took during an extended U.S. road trip, from 1985 to 1997. “It’s hard to say what drew me to certain people—I guess I saw my own vulnerabilities in them,” Bergman says. “Only a few people out of thousands said no.”

... three big "R"s

2009-10-13T11:58:00.000-07:00

Last week, Americans for the Arts honored this year's recipients of the National Arts Awards:

Robert Redford, Ed Ruscha, and Salman Rushdie were among the honorees at last week’s 2009 National Arts Awards, presented by Americans for the Arts — the same organization that benefits from the sales of Shepard Fairey and Jennifer Gross’ new publication, Art for Obama.

The award’s ceremony, which was held at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York, was attended by an all-star group of artists, art patrons, politicians, museum directors, gallerists, and celebrities. Among the glamorous crowd were Chuck Close, Jeff Koons, Shirin Neshat, Eli Broad, Vera Wang, Caroline Kennedy, Nancy Pelosi, Adam Weinberg, Thelma Golden, Lisa Phillips, Larry Gagosian, Tony Shafrazi, Dennis Hopper, and Kerry Washington. Buoyed by an Obama White House, award presenters and recipients relished the social, economic, and diplomatic roles the arts can now play.

Americans for the Arts president and CEO Robert Lynch got the evening underway by welcoming a full house of guests and declaring that we were there to “celebrate the transformative powers of the arts.” He thanked the artists present; the various chairs and co-chairs, such as Maria Bell and Eli Broad; Kate Davis, who sang and played base with a jazz ensemble at the cocktail party; and made special mention to Jeff Koons for designing the new award.

New Museum director Lisa Phillips presented the first award, the Artistic Excellence Award, to Ed Ruscha by naming the variety of media and styles he has handled in a masterful way, while adding that he has a “wonderful trait of being supportive of other artists.” After a video, which gave an overview of his long career and body of work, Ruscha suggested that the five honorees, including Bank of America’s Anne Finucane and philanthropist and Harman International founder Sidney Harman, work together on a project. He proposed a film, for which Redford could direct, Rushdie would write the screenplay, Finucane and Harman could fund, and Ruscha would do the titles, as well as the wanted poster.

-via Flavorwire... continue reading

Fashion Week

2009-09-22T12:04:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have been pretty crazy in the art world, as well as in the fashion world. As we all know, there is often a crossover of social scenes (among many other things) between those two worlds.

From WWD.com:

ANSWERING A CALL: British artist Tracy Emin took time away from her canvases to pop into Vivienne Westwood's after-show party Sunday in London. “I don’t really have time to be out: In six weeks I have an exhibition at my gallery in New York,” referring to the Lehmann Maupin gallery. Her new works, she said, "will be similar to my line drawings." Revelers also included Pixie Geldof, who had walked the runway for Westwood earlier, and model Tarifi, who was to participate in an installation being video taped by Nick Knight. “I am going to be sitting in a large transparent box, answering phones,” laughed Tarifi, who also just wrapped a John Richmond campaign.

Stand Alone Gallery and Seasick Mama

2009-09-08T08:16:00.000-07:00

The Stand Alone Gallery in Williamsburg in Brooklyn is opening with "WE KNOW YOU KNOW I KNOW" presented by Seasick Mama, a canvas-to-clothing company based in Brooklyn.

It's located on 129 N 9th Street, Brooklyn, NY on September 19, 2009 from 12-8pm.

The exhibition will address artists in the current economic conditions where:

a dozen magazines, bloggers, and other local favorites were asked to express “how they survive” during this difficult time but…in only six written words.
These poetic proclamations (some comical, some foul) will be beautifully printed on large-scale canvas, but also onto a limited edition series of t-shirts.

Proceeds from the public’s support will go directly into the pockets of the writers.

The following will be exhibited:

Article Magazine, Chief Magazine, L Magazine, Impose Magazine, Peru Ana Ana Peru, The Worlds Best Ever, Design for Mankind, Smith Magazine, Ins & Outs, and Brooklyn Roach Motel.

Stick around and there will probably be an after party!

September Art Gallery Openings

2009-08-31T08:34:00.000-07:00

September is coming and art events and openings will be happening all around the city- I'm so excited, my evenings are going to be so full!

Here's what to pick and choose from for art gallery opening receptions in September 2009:

"Date with Angels" at the Visual Art Museum (part of the School of Visual Arts)

at 209 East 23 Street, NY and the reception is on Friday, September 11, 5 - 7pm.

The CHC Gallery on 511 W 20th Street, NY is presenting an exhibition of new works by Marks. The opening reception is on September 3rd, 2009 from 6-8pm.

Marks

Denise Bibro Fine Art, Inc is opening with "Johnny Madsen: Red, Yellow, and the Blues" located at their Platform Project Space 529 West 20th Street, 4W, NY

Untitled- Johnny Madsen

From their website:

Torben Gettermann, Consul General of Denmark, will host a reception for the artist Thursday, September 10 from 6 to 9pm. Refreshments will be served, and Madsen will perform a selection of his own music.

Leo Kesting Gallery Silk Screen Event

2009-08-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

The Leo Kesting Gallery is going to have an event on August 28, 2009 at 7pm- 10pm. This is a launch event for artists clothing where artists will be creating an item right in front of you with the intention of fitting in with the art already hanging on the gallery walls.

It is a silk screen event entitled Ray Sell : Ya Gotta Be Tough

The address is at 812 Washington St (at Gansevoort) NY

From the website: "The angle of the launch is to place the clothing within the context of Leo Kesting’s world – among the gallery’s hanging art - whilst the artist’s themselves create your item in front of you. A piece directly from the artist’s hands, to yours, through the gallery door, to the Meatpacking streets…"

more about Ray Sell:

"The first in their string of artists to transition from canvas to fabric will be Ray Sell. Fittingly, Sell is currently exhibiting ‘Ya Gotta Be Tough’, his second successful solo show with Leo Kesting. His work focuses in particular on the development of the male archetype tied in with sexual and brutish symbolism. Taking images and magazine clippings from a vast swath of media over the last 60 years, Sell is determined to create a forum for self-reflection and debate, and question the very ethos by which our culture rears its male brood.

Sell’s poignant images will transform as statement pieces in this new collection; the rough and tumble characteristics of man in parallel to the crude edges of the cobbled Meatpacking streets."

Farmani Gallery Opening

2009-08-18T12:39:00.000-07:00

The Farmani Gallery is located in Brooklyn, NY and is currently preparing for the opening of "ASMP New York Image ‘09 Awards". It's a group show in collaboration with the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP).

image by Kendra Haderlie - courtesy Farmani Gallery

The opening is on Friday August 21st from 6-9 pm
Address: 111 Front St., Ste. 212, Brooklyn, NY (located in the DUMBO neighborhood)

The exhibition will be on from August 21 - August 29, 2009

From their website "The images on exhibit represent the winners chosen by an esteemed panel of jurors, in response to its contest calling for photographs produced after January 1st, 2008. The contest was open to all levels of United States-based competitors: amateur, student and professional. "

Artists include Martine Fougeron, Debra Jansen, Nancy Brown, Kendra Haderlie, Dirk Anschutz, and Jessica Luke.

Agora Gallery- International Fine Art Competition Exhibition

2009-08-10T12:02:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Chelsea International Fine Art Competition Exhibition at Agora Gallery is an annual contest where artists compete with each other as a collective and then are juried by Mr. Ira Goldberg, Executive Director, the Art Students League of New York for print and media exposure, monetary prizes, and review in ARTisSpectrum Magazine.

The Agora Gallery will put on an exhibition featuring artists entered for the
The opening reception is on August 14, 2009 and runs through September 2, 2009 but the opening reception is on Thursday. Here are the details:

Reception: Thursday, August 20, 2009, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Gallery Location: 530 West 25th St, New York City

Some of the artists include
Erich Birchmeier, Marie-Claude Bosc Depretz, Peter Bulow, Ángeles Cereceda, Hellen Choo, Christina Dallorso Bush, Dooney, Nelly Drell, Nine Francois, Ann Ginsburgh Hofkin, Charles Imbro, James Keul, Judith Kramer, Bill Leigh, Kathy Liao, Ian Magargee, Marie Massey, Eddie Nack, Andre Netto, Arkadiusz Piegdon, Steven R. Hill, Meredith Rose, Vania Stefou, Robert Telenick, Preston Trombly, Zinni Veshi, Evelyn Wang, Dave Wisniewski,Meggie Zhang

25% of the proceeds in the exhibition will go to ARTSTART - a program dedicated to creating free art programs for New York at-risk youth

Networking Night at The Museum

2009-08-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

Networking Night at The Museum is happening this Friday August 7 2009 at the Rubin Museum of Art (RMA) - 150 West 17th Street (at 7th Ave).

The "RMA holds one of the world’s most important collections of art from the countries and cultures of the Himalayas, including Tibet, Nepal, Mongolia, and Bhutan. The museum’s exhibitions also include works from the larger Himalayan cultural sphere, such as India, Pakistan, China, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. "

Also, on Fridays the RMA has free admission from 7-10pm to view its collection of Himalayan art (which is pretty amazing by the way) and then even more fun is the cocktail and lounge area at K2 lounge and the free film screening happening every Friday night.

However, this Friday the evening is especially promoted as " a night of mixing and mingling for NYC's best entrepreneurs and business professionals"

Cooper Hewitt Cocktails

2009-07-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

Described as New York City's largest private garden, the Arthur Ross Terrace and Garden at Cooper Hewitt has an evening of jazz and, of course, cocktails - every Friday from 6-9pm. These soirees have been going on since July 10 and will end on August 14 2009 - I'll be sure to catch one of these relaxing evenings before the summer ends.

Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum is located on Museum Mile, at the corner of 91st Street and Fifth Avenue in New York City (2 East 91st Street to be exact). Since it's on Museum Mile, I would try and go to some museums on a Friday and then finish up at Cooper Hewitt for the evening.

The museum's collection itself is described as from their website:

"Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum’s collection is international in scope, includes both historic and contemporary design, and extends from one-of-a-kind to mass-produced items.

The collection encompasses the rich holdings of the Museum’s Library, Archives, and four curatorial departments: Product Design and Decorative Arts; Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design; Textiles; and Wallcoverings. Designers seeking inspiration for new product lines draw ideas from the diversity of the collection. Scholars and students exploring the history of design use the collection as a primary resource. Writers seeking historical authenticity refer to them for firsthand experience of objects. Collectors—novice and seasoned—use the collection to expand their understanding and develop their expertise."

Passport Fridays at Queens Museum

2009-07-21T07:20:00.000-07:00

Living in Manhattan can provide so many fun events, each happening in different parts of the city. Sometimes one forgets the equally cool boroughs of the city, like Queens, where art events are happening all the time. For instance, on Friday nights the Queens Museum has been organizing what they call Passport Fridays 2009, an "outdoor festivities featuring dance performances by participants in the QMA/TOPAZ Arts Dance in Queens Residency Program, and continue with a live concert and film screening from one of the many countries that fuel Queens' cultural & artistic vitality."

It's relaxing - you sit back, bring a blanket, and enjoy the dancing, music, and film screening on the Flushing Meadows Corona Park

It is a cultural traveling event, but no need to bring your passport, every Friday the focus will be on one country ranging from Colombia, Iran, Bangladesh, to east Africa.

The events are ongoing from July 10- August 28 from 6:30-10pm

Silent auction and benefit for Tara Subkoff

2009-07-08T13:06:00.000-07:00

I found out from NYMag that Tara Subkoff, a 36 year old designer, was diagnosed with brain tumor. Her friends have banded in an effort to raise funds for the operation and recovery. Read the email below about the situation and the event.

WHAT: SILENT AUCTION TO BENEFIT TARA SUBKOFF -
COCKTAILS - RACHEL CHANDLER AND PAUL SEVIGNY TO DJ

WHERE: DEITCH PROJECTS (GRAND ST)

WHEN: 5-10PM WEDNESDAY JULY 15TH

WHY: We are very sorry to say that our great friend Tara Subkoff has been diagnosed with a form of brain tumor known as an acoustic neuroma. While benign, it will be fatal to her in approximately two years if not operated on. Recuperation from the necessary operation may take as long as a year. During this time it will not be possible for her to work. We are writing in the hope that all of you can help.

The operation should take place in August if Tara is to avoid deterioration in her mobility and hearing, possible facial palsy and other symptoms. The tumor has exceeded three centimeters, which places extreme urgency on removal and rules out radiation and less invasive methods of treatment. There are eleven specialists involved, due to the extremely delicate area around the tumor. All proceeds from the benefit would go towards covering the remainder of the costs of the operation, and possibly to the care that will be needed afterwards.

Jeffery Deitch has kindly offered his Grand Street space for a benefit on July 15th. We want to put together a really terrific array of artworks for a silent auction. Tara is donating her collection of 200 pieces of Imitation of Christ couture, also to be in the auction.

We realize that this is very short notice and that you are all inundated with benefit requests. If you can possibly help by donating a small work, we would be incredibly grateful. If you are not able to donate a work at this time, monetary donations are also most welcome.

Checks can be made payable to: NYFA (New York Foundation for the Arts)

IF YOU ARE RECEIVING THIS EMAIL, WHETHER AN ARTIST OR A NON ARTIST, PLEASE CONSIDER IN AN INVITATION TO JOIN US AT THE EVENT, OR IF NOT ABLE TO COME, TO SEND A SMALL DONATION.

Dear Artists,

If you can help PLEASE LET US KNOW RIGHT AWAY IF YOU ARE ABLE TO DONATE, AS TIME IS VERY SHORT. We can then email you a donation form.

ART DROP OFF: Art Production Fund has generously offered the use of their offices - and interns for pick-ups - if necessary.

ADDRESS: APF, 299 WEST HOUSTON ST, GROUND FLOOR BTWN HUDSON AND GREENWICH STREETS, NY 10014

PHONE: 212-966-0193

EMAIL: staff@artproductionfund.org

MONDAY - THURSDAY 10-4 (PLEASE NOTE NO FRIDAY DROP OFF)

Artists please be aware that Art Production Fund cannot insure these artworks (yet will treat with care!) so ship/handle/storage is at own risk.

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK NEW YORK FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS, WHO ARE TO BE THE FISCAL SPONSORS FOR THE EVENT.

Thank you all so much for your support.

Yours sincerely,

Jessica Craig-Martin, Cecily Brown, Yvonne Force, Doreen Remen and Arden Wohl

Museum benefits

2009-07-08T07:45:00.000-07:00

Feeling swanky? Here are are awesome museum benefits that you can attend. Yes, tickets are pricey (especially without a membership) but if you feel like dishing out the dough, you can meet some fabulous people, mingle in the museum after hours, and best of all avoid the touristy crowd in special exhibitions.

The MET is having a Summer Fête! "Enjoy cocktails on the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden (weather permitting), followed by dinner and dancing in The Carroll and Milton Petrie European Sculpture Court." For more information, click here.

July 15
7-11pm
Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10028
Cocktail Attire
Purchase tickets

The American Folk Art Museum is throwing a Summer Party Benefit, Fashion under the Stars. Even the name sounds glamorous. The benefit is in honor of Isabel Toledo, who is perhaps most famous for her design of First Lady Michelle Obama's Inauguration gown. Take the opportunity to also see "Isabel Toledo: Fashion from the Inside Out" which is on view at the museum.

July 22
6:30-9pm
American Folk Art Museum
45 West 53rd Street
New York, NY 10019
Tickets and information

Film Screening and After Party

2009-07-02T08:03:00.000-07:00

GenArt is hosting a film screening of Adam. The movies features Hugh Dancy and Rose Byrne among many others. The synopsis: "Romance can be risky, perplexing and filled with the perils of miscommunication - and that's if you aren't ADAM, for whom life itself is this way." Read the full synopsis and more about the event at the GenArt website. Following the screening is a Q & A session with the director, Max Mayer, and an after-party (complimentary drinks are provided) at The Gates, which sounds fabulous. Buy your tickets in advance for what sounds like a great event!

Screening
Thursday, July 9th
8pm
AMC
19th Street and Broadway

After-party
10pm-12am
The Gates
290 8th Ave. (b/w 24th and 25th street)

museums

2009-07-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's officially summer, despite the fickle weather. Summer is lovely in the city (right before it gets scorching hot) because there's a sort of a lull. People leave for long weekends, galleries slow down, the heaviness of the summer slows everyone down just a bit. Even though there aren't notable parties, I'm constantly watching museums for great events.

For example, this past Sunday the P.S. 1 celebrated the tenth anniversary of its Young Architects Program. People mingled among the winning-design, Afterparty. The exhibition looks fantasic! For more information about the exhibit, visit the P.S. 1 webiste. Click here for more pictures.

I was also surprised to find out that MoMA started extending its hours on Thursdays! During July and August, the museum will stay open until 8:45 pm. There's live music and a cash bar in the Sculpture Garden, a dessert cart and light refreshments, etc etc. Definitely worth a trip. For more information, visit the MoMA website.

Friday nights

2009-06-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

Lately I started to notice free events in museums. You can bet that these programs will be great because of the effort that is put into planning these events. Here are some things to check out this weekend:

1. The newly renovated Noguchi Museum started their Summer Music in the Garden, which means first Friday of each month, you are free to meander the museum after paying a suggested donation. On first Fridays, the museum will remain open until 8:30pm. Cash bar will be available starting 6pm.
Every second Sunday, the museum will also host “world-renown experts in various fields of the arts, architecture, and design to create a dialogue.” These programs start at 3pm.

Noguchi Museum
9-01 33rd Road (at Vernon Boulevard)
Long Island City, NY 11106
Event information

2. I recently found out about the Rubin Museum of Art, which specializes in art from the Himalayas. The museum also has exciting events that seem definitely worth checking out. Every Friday nights, the K2 Lounge is holding performances that start at 7pm. The gallery admission is free after 7pm, and happy hour lasts from 6pm-7pm.
A part of their late Friday night event is the Caberet Cinema, where you can vie various movies starting 9:30pm. The event is free with a $7 bar minimum. Currently playing is the Mirror, Mirror series.

Rubin Museum of Art
150 West 17th Street
New York, NY 10011
Event Information

Benefits!

2009-06-17T07:32:00.000-07:00

I was psyched to find out about upcoming events that sound really exciting! (since many move away from the city during the summer)

First, Exit Art is having a benefit for the exhibition Négritude. There are a limited number of tickets left, so make sure to buy one for you and a friend(s)!

June 18, 2009
7-11pm
Open bar 7-8pm
Music provided by Baye Kouyate, Dallam-Dougou, and DJ Trmix
Exit Art
475 10th Ave. (36th Street)

Also on the same day, the Aperture Foundation is throwing Some Like It Hot Summer Party. Tickets are pricier, but you receive limited-edition print by Thomas Allen. The event will include cocktails, live music by The Willowz, and raffle where you can win tickets to the Dave Matthews Band concert among other cool items.

June 18, 2009
8-11pm
Aperture Gallery
547 West 27th Street, 4th floor (b/w 10th and 11th Ave.)
Tickets are limited, so buy them now!

Didn't you hear, Thursdays are the new Fridays.

review and previews

2009-06-10T07:10:00.000-07:00

Party to dream about...
This past week, prominent art collectors and artists gathered at billionaire Eli Broad’s fabulous masterpiece-filled L.A. estate to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Art Basel. Guests included esteemed collectors such as Michael Ovitz and Eugenio Lopez, and contemporary art stars such as Ed Ruscha and John Baldessari. Guests dined, surrounded by historical works including a Mondrian and Koons’ Rabbit. The after-party took place at the Chateau Marmont. What a great kick-off to Art Basel! Read about the celebration in detail here.

Over on the east coast, there are some upcoming events that us regular people can enjoy. The American Folk Museum is having Free Music Fridays, where you can meander the museum from 5:30pm-7:30pm (free of charge) and enjoy some music in the atrium then get a drink at the café.

The museum also has other music programs lined up for the month. Most of these events are free, so grab some friends and head over to the museum!

Bushwick Open Studio Festival and Events

2009-06-03T13:40:00.000-07:00

Bushwick Open Studio is right around the corner! There are great events to kick-off the art festival. (Especially excited about the BBQ and the Caberet!) So come join the celebration and support local artists in Bushwick!

4th Annual Bushwick Community Parade
Thursday, June 4
staging 10am, launch 11am, BBQ to follow around 1pm
422 Central Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11221

BOS ’09 “High Society” Cabaret
Saturday, June 6th
doors open 7:30pm, curtain open 8pm
Starr Space
108 Starr Street, Brooklyn, NY 11237
$5 suggested donation

Competing Needs for Space: Finding a New Way Forward in Bushwick
Saturday, June 6
3pm
Bushwick Public Library
340 Bushwick Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11206

Arts and Political Engagement Forum
Saturday, June 6
5pm
47 Beaver Street, New York, NY 10004

2009-06-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

One of the many benefits of living in a city like New York: gallery-hopping on any given day. Here is a listing of some wonderful openings this weekend. They’re all located in the same vicinity (Lower East Side), so hop on over, grab some wine, and enjoy some art!

Richard Kern
Amy Puts on Clinique

Richard Kern, Photos 1980-1999
Rental
East Village / Lower East Side
120 East Broadway, 6th floor, 212-608-6002
June 4 - July 5, 2009
Opening: Thursday, June 4, 7 - 9PM
Website

Reuben Lorch-Miller
Anamnesis of the Interstellar Father

Reuben Lorch-Miller
Audio Visual Arts (AVA)
East Village / Lower East Side
34 East 1st Street , 917-604-8856
June 5 - July 26, 2009
Opening: Friday, June 5, 6 - 9PM
Website

Tainted Love
La MaMa La Galleria
East Village / Lower East Side
6 East 1st Street
June 4 - June 28, 2009
Opening: Friday, June 5, 6 - 9PM
Website

Glam, Shackle & Spice
Gallery Satori
East Village / Lower East Side
164 Stanton Street, 718-544-6155
June 3 - July 5, 2009
Opening: Friday, June 5, 7 - 9PM
Website

L Magazine party with NADA

2009-05-26T15:02:00.000-07:00

This past week, after attending a few openings, and racing all over the place, I caught the very tail end of the NADA (New Art Dealers Alliance) Emerging Artist Party, cohosted with L Magazine (no, not Elle) at Bumble & Bumble in the Meatpacking district.

In eight consecutive issues of the bi-weekly New York culture guide The L Magazine, the New Art Dealers Alliance presented The NADA Emerging Artist Page. In the magazine's arts section, a full color page featured an artwork or specially created image by an artist who is presented by a New York NADA member.

The "schedule":
July 11-17, 2007: Georg Gatsas presented by James Fuentes LLC
July 18-31, 2007: Justin Lieberman presented by Zach Feuer Gallery
August 1-14, 2007: Ellen Takata presented by SOUTHFIRST Gallery
August 15-28, 2007: George Kontos presented by Renwick Gallery
August 29-September 11, 2007: Molly Smith presented by KS Art
September 5-11, 2007: Henry Taylor presented by RENTAL and Sister Gallery
September 12-25, 2007: Micheal Williams presented by CANADA
September 26- October 9, 2007: Scott Hug presented by John Connelly Presents

Brooklyn Museum Target Saturdays

2009-05-18T13:50:00.000-07:00

At the Brooklyn Museum's Target First Saturdays, thousands of visitors enjoy free programs of art and entertainment each month from 5–11 p.m. All evening long, the Museum Café serves a wide selection of sandwiches, salads, and beverages, and a cash bar offers wine and beer. Parking is a flat rate of $4 starting at 5 p.m. All other Saturdays, the Museum closes at 6 p.m.

Please note that due to limited capacities, some Target First Saturday programs require tickets. Ticket lines often form 30 minutes before ticket distribution at the Visitor Center located in the Rubin Lobby. Members may pick up tickets from the Membership Desk beginning at 2 p.m. while supplies last. Programs subject to change without notice.

June 6, 2009

Illuminating Islam

Music

5–7 p.m.
The Rubin Pavilion, 1st Floor

Funky jazz orchestra Brooklyn Qawwali Party performs songs with a Brooklyn flair that honor the legendary Pakistani vocalist Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Program repeats at 9:30pm.

Film and Performance

5:30 p.m.
Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Auditorium, 3rd Floor

I Named Her Angel (Nefin Dinc, 2006, 30 min., Turkish with English subtitles) follows twelve-year-old Elif as she studies the art of whirling and prepares to join the Mevlevi Brotherhood. The film will be followed by a whirling dance demonstration in the Beaux-Arts Court. Free tickets are available at the Visitor Center at 5 p.m.

Artist Talk: Seher Shah

6–7 p.m.
Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, Forum, 4th Floor

Seher Shah discusses her work, featured in the exhibition 21: Selections of Contemporary Art from the Brooklyn Museum. Free tickets are available at the Visitor Center at 5 p.m.

Hands-On Art

6:30–8:30 p.m.
Education Division, 1st Floor

Participants are invited to create a lantern inspired by art and poetry in the exhibition Light of the Sufis: The Mystical Arts of Islam. Free timed tickets are available at the Visitor Center at 5:30 p.m.

Film

6:30–8:30 p.m.
Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Auditorium, 3rd Floor

I Love Hip Hop in Morocco (Joshua Asen, Jennifer Needleman, 2007, 80 min., NR) follows a group of Moroccan artists struggling to produce the country’s first professional hip-hop concert. Their journey exposes the clashing of generational and religious ideals as well as the hopes of Moroccan youth. Question-and-answer session with director Joshua Asen follows. Free tickets are available at the Visitor Center at 6 p.m.

Young Voices Gallery Talk

7 p.m.
Meet at the entrance to the Islamic Art Gallery, 2nd Floor

Student Guides explore the diversity of Islamic art and identity in the Museum’s permanent collection.

Curator Talk

8 p.m.
Meet at the entrance to the Islamic Art Gallery, 2nd Floor

Ladan Akbarnia, Associate Curator of Islamic Art, gives a Sign Language–interpreted talk on Light of the Sufis:The Mystical Arts of Islam. Free tickets are available at the Visitor Center at 6 p.m.

Dance Party

9–11 p.m.
Museum Parking Lot, Behind Museum

GlobeSonic Sound System DJ Fabian Alsultany and DJ Pepe of Electric Lila bring together the eclectic sounds and rhythms of the Islamic world in a dance party not to be missed. Rain location: Beaux-Arts Court, 3rd Floor.

Target First Saturdays Book Club

9 p.m.
Islamic Gallery, 2nd Floor

Join an intimate discussion about My Name Is Red, the award-winning murder mystery about illuminated manuscripts in sixteenth-century Istanbul, moderated by NYU professor Sibel Erol.

Music

9:30 p.m.
The Rubin Pavilion, 1st Floor

Funky jazz orchestra Brooklyn Qawwali Party takes the stage for a second time.

follow up to the sleep work

2009-05-13T15:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been a little negligent lately - I've been really busy and not exactly attending or even thinking about attending many art parties lately.

I recently posted about the Chu Yun bed piece at the New Museum, and maybe it's because I can't wait to get some really good sleep, but I've been noticing a lot of sleep pieces being done lately (ok - I know - not very soiree-like). Like this piece that was at the Guggenheim recently - where Chloe Sevigny was the first guest.

Future Plans

2009-02-27T07:55:00.001-08:00

This weekend I am going to Philadelphia and plan to make a huge effort to get a look at their art scene. So far I have heard that the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a must see. AND after I'm done checking out the art I should be sure to "run the steps like Rocky." Because I live for the little things in life, I most definitely will be reenacting that!

Next week is the big Armory Show and I can't wait! A friend of mine got us VIP tickets to the preview and I am more than excited for that. Until then, I haven't much to write. Sadly, I've been much to busy to hit up any openings worth mentioning - more to come soon though!

Yves Saint Laurent AUCTION!

2009-02-20T08:43:00.000-08:00

I wish I was going to be in Paris for the Yves Saint Laurent estate auction!! I have been reading so much about this and it seems that Christie's is pulling out all the big guns for this event. According to the New York Times 6 seperate sales over a three-day period will offer 690 lots (ranging in price from several hundred dollars to $38 million) and is expected to draw in nearly 300 million euros. Apparently Christie's has spent $1.2 million alone to re-vamp the Grand Palais for the event...

I have a lot of "I wonder" remarks about the auction. I wonder which notable people are going to attend. I wonder how many of the 690 lots will sell and if the auction will reach the projected totals. I wonder if the Chinese will pursue their claims over the two statues included in the collection that were said to have been unlawfully removed from their country long ago. I wonder what sort of offers Christie's made to Bruges to get him to auction the items through their services rather than Sotheby's'.

The auction is scheduled to take place February 23-25 and you can bet that answers to all of my "I wonders" will be posted shortly after.

I could be famous...

2009-02-16T06:55:00.000-08:00

I came across this advertisement yesterday… so It’s not an art party but it’s something equally as entertaining! An artist is soliciting females between 18 and 40 years old to be on display at the New Museum… sleeping! She’s going to give you a sleeping pill, send you to bed, and invite come people to look at you! I would be GREAT for this job – will you all come and see me perform?? :)

On a serious note, though, I think being involved in an artist's performance piece would be really interesting. I'm sure whoever gets selected for the position would have a lot of 1-on-1 time with the artist and would really be able to learn what their craft is all about. Plus I'm sure the participant would get a really interesting behind-the-scenes look at the installation process. I don't know, other than the strange fact that it would require me sleeping in front of numerous museum-goers (I must admit that I'm not exactly the most attractive sleeper) it wouldn't be such a bad experience. Any supporters???

MoMA Party ?

2009-02-13T10:02:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since my last trip to MoMA and yesterday I realized why. The crowds are out of control. I went to see the Marlene Dumas exhibit and because the traffic (composed of more children than I have ever seen in one place) was so thick, I didn't even make it up the six escalators to the show. Plus, viewing a very serious, morbid, psychological show called "Measuring Your Own Grave" with kids running through my legs didn't seem like something I wanted to subject myself to.

I guess it's partly my fault for going on a Saturday afternoon but even still, I didn't imagine it was going to be that crazy. On one hand, it's great that MoMA is getting this much traffic and attention. Even with high fees, they are doing something right over there because it is absolutely bringing in the crowds. However, I can't help but feel frustrated about the fact that the space lacks an atmosphere that really allows serious art lovers (vs art appreciators that are just there because they needed and afternoon activity to keep the kids entertained) to thoughtfully and peacefully consider and absorb the masterpieces placed before them.

Even though MoMA isn't exactly a party, the energy of it is absolutely at party level which makes my inclusion of my visit there absolutely appropriate for my art soirees blog. Now you know - mentally prepare yourself for the crowds if you're planning on visiting MoMA anytime soon!

Art Battles

2009-02-06T11:07:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine introduced me the other day to something called “Art Battles,” and it seems like a really cool thing that I hope to go to someday (when I’m not slaving away doing homework!). Basically Art Battles is an art competition that takes place live and allows anyone interested in watching the opportunity to watch. According to my friend, the crowd seems young and artsy and innovative. I can’t wait to attend – I’ve scoured the website for Art Battles and think that the guys who created it are on to something. Things like this really take art off of the pedestal that it’s sometimes on and put it back into the hands of the public. It reminds me of 1960’s SoHo-type things where artists of all sorts were mingling in public areas and discussing new ideas.

Now… all I need to do is find a friend to join me. Any takers?

Art in "The City"

2009-01-30T08:52:00.000-08:00

At the risk of sounding completely childish, I was excited to see that MTV's "The City" had a scene filmed at a gallery opening in NYC. For those that don't watch the show, it follows the life of a girl who recently followed her career in the fashion industry from California to NYC -- if you don't watch it, I recommend keeping it that way. The content is very silly and shallow and I only watch because it's exciting to see places that I frequent broadcast to people all over the nation. Anyways, the purpose of this post isn't to expose my interest in this dumb show, it's to put out notice that I am interested in which gallery this past episode was filmed at. The art that they quickly showed to set the atmosphere of the scene was incredibly interesting and though I'm sure the exhibition is down by now, I'd love to learn about the artist and/or the other artists that the unknown gallery represents. If you have any information, please let me know! - Thanks

Art Event Wish List

2009-01-19T08:24:00.000-08:00

Siiigh. Since I have been completely swamped at work and school lately, I sadly have been unable to attend any art events in the past week. However, to keep my blog up to date, there have been a few note-worthy things going on. This is my art soiree wish list, if you will:

-"Artists Making Photographs" at The Whitney Museum

-William Eggleston's photography exhibit, also at The Whitney (which closes next week on January 25 !!)

-a painting and drawing exhibition called "Marlene Dumas: Measuring Your Own Grave" (which is at MoMA and also closes relatively soon; February 16 I believe)

Hopefully sometime in the next week I'll have a minute to pop by. It'd be a shame to miss out on these.

A Day At The Met

2009-01-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

It is great being back in NYC after a month at home. A lot of new exhibits have opened up around Manhattan and I am really excited to go check them out. I have already been up to The Met and spent a long time looking at a great art exhibition that’s been up for a while. It’s called Provocative Visions: Race and Identity and it is fascinating. If you have time, try to make your way up town to check it out.

I’m hoping to make it down to Chelsea later this week if time permits. So much to see and so little time!