The Knights Gala
The Knights, the young chamber orchestra, held their annual benefit, a concert and dinner, on May 13th in Tribeca. Mela Hacklish, their board chair, extolled, "To everyone here we offer sincere thanks for your extraordinary partnership and support that empowers our musical innovation. We've many surprises for you tonight!" and thus the orchestra launching onto a stunning concert that included Mozart, Mendelssohn, Shostakovich as well as contemporary music.
Pianist Inon Barnantan joined the orchestra on stage with Knights co-founder and conductor Eric Jacobsen welcoming him, "Inon’s invested in the future of The Knights and what we’re doing". Recognized as “one of the most admired pianists of his generation” (New York Times), Inon Barnantan has received multiple awards, including the prestigious 2009 Avery Fisher Career Grant, and performs regularly with the world’s foremost orchestras. Virtuoso clarinetist Kinan Azmeh performed an original composition, "Wedding" and offered, “Falling in love is one of the true human rights that no one can take away from us. This music I hope is a little like that." Closing with gospel, Christina Courtin lead the audience to sing the refrain of "I'll Fly Away". Ending with a performance of "The Big Noise from Winnetka", The Knights received a standing ovation.
Guests included board members Guillame Cuvelier, Audrey Francis, Carmela Hacklisch, Graham Parker, Paul Sekhri, Kambiz Shekdar, Miranda Sielaff, and Gary Wasserman as well as guests Véronique Bich, Judith-Ann Corrente, Joanna Fisher, Thea Musgrave, Peter Mark, Susan Rose, Reni Rothschild, Julie Salomon, Connie Steensma, and Ann Ziff.
Photos provided by Gsmltd
Youth America Grand Prix 20th Anniversary Gala
In the 21st century, mainstream media has little love for ballet. It’s too rigid. Too technical. While hip hop dancers churn out new moves, ballet dancers fixate on the old: Plié. Relevé. Pas de bourrée. The forms are sacred. There will be no #arabesquechallenge. The closest the ballet community has ever come to putting out a mass meme is that picture celebrating a ballerina’s bruised, bloody feet. More than anything, it was a reminder: ballet is brutal. A few years later, Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan reminded us of something else: ballet is emotional. The stereotypes have taken hold. They make it all too easy to forget the crux of it all: ballet is beautiful.
It took me almost 23 years to learn this. When I saw Billy Elliot in the sixth grade, I learned more about the social stigma surrounding ballet than I did about the art itself. The same with Center Stage. In Black Swan the psychological dance was mesmerizing, the physical ones forgettable. It was only three nights ago, at the Youth America Grand Prix Performance at the David H. Koch Theater, that I learned ballet was beautiful, and I was hit with the knowledge all at once.
What makes ballet beautiful? Grace. Power. Precision. To be a ballerina is to exude both great strength and fine delicacy. The ballerinas who performed knew this all too well. They switched back and forth between the two extremes with ease. Their movements were spellbinding, no matter the routine, and they varied; from Lucia Lacarra and Fabrice Calmel’s intense performance of Gerald Arpino’s Light Rain, to Olga Smirnova and Kimin Kim’s classic homage to Swan Lake.
Thankfully, not everyone takes as long a time as I did to recognize the beauty of ballet. YAGP, the global network that put together both the performance and the follow-up gala, offers learning opportunities and scholarships to talented dancers ages 9-19 who have not only seen the beauty of ballet, but are dead set on becoming professional ballerinas. In between dance performances, the YAGP students took turns sharing how much the organization had helped them in their quest to achieve their dreams.
Following the show, ballerinas and guests alike were whisked away to the upper floor of the Koch Theater, where a live auction was held to raise money for future YAGP scholarships. Things got heated, with a bidding war breaking out between Olivier Sarkozy and Andrew Martin Weber, but it was all in good jest -- after the auction, all the guests settled down for a roast chicken dinner and made their way onto the dance floor, where they tried to keep up with a horde of enthusiastic young ballerinas.
In the modern era, it is all too easy to dismiss ballet as niche art, one of those things that simply “isn’t for everyone.” Both YAGP and I are here to dispute that. I dare you to see a ballet and not find something to love -- from the meticulous movements to the dramatic expressions. Ballet is here, and it won’t be fading into obscurity -- in fact, as YAPG expands its global horizons and the internet becomes increasingly connective, more people are discovering the beauty of ballet than ever before. So what if mainstream culture has shuffled the art to the side? The way things are going, the 21st Century is bound to be remembered as no less but the era of the ballerina.
Gala Dinner Images Gratis of YAGP by Jared Siskin for PMC
Gala Performance Images Gratis of YAGP by VAM Productions
LOOT:MAD About Jewelry 2019
Photos by Jenna Bascom, Annie Watt, BFA
On Monday, April 8th, The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) held their opening benefit cocktail, shopping, and awards dinner evening kicking off their nineteenth edition of LOOT: MAD About Jewelry. This is their annual exhibition and sale of one-of-a-kind contemporary jewelry. Honored with the LOOT Awards were jewelry designer and philanthropist Adria de Haume and jewelry and fashion designer Josie Natori, as well as the presentation of the LOOT Acquisition Prize.
Photos by Jenna Bascom, Annie Watt, BFA
Photos by Jenna Bascom, Annie Watt, BFA
The evening started with a cocktail reception at the MAD exhibit to meet the artists and to also preview and purchase these one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry. Benefit guests received first access to LOOT shopping.
Photos by Jenna Bascom, Annie Watt, BFA
Photos by Jenna Bascom, Annie Watt, BFA
LOOT 2019 features fifty-five artists from eighteen countries and territories: Austria (1), Belgium (1), Chile (2), Finland (1), France (2), Germany (6), Italy (2), Korea (5), Poland (1), Portugal (2), Spain (5), Sweden (1), Taiwan (1), Thailand (1), Turkey (3), the United Kingdom (14), the United States (6), and the US Virgin Islands (1). In addition to a diverse range of artistic practices, the jewelry on display encompasses a wide array of materials, from traditional metals to more unconventional media like leather, glass, porcelain, paper, silicone, resin, textiles, wood, horsehair, recycled skateboards, and ultraviolet-reactive nylon.
Photos by Jenna Bascom, Annie Watt, BFA
Guests attending included, Mickey Ateyeh, Marika and Neil Bender, Young Yang Chung, Audrey Cohen, as well as, MAD chairman Michele Cohen, Isabelle Harnoncourt Feigen, Carole Bailey French and John French III, Joan and George Hornig, Jacqui Lividini, Marsy Mittlemann, Barbara de Portago, Robi Queen, Peter and Barbara Regna, Tom Roush, MAD Director Chris Scoates, Allyson Tang, chair Emeritus Barbara Tober and her husband Donald Tober, Kay Unger, Harriet Weintraub and Lynn Yaeger.
Photos by Jenna Bascom, Annie Watt, BFA
Photos by Jenna Bascom, Annie Watt, BFA
After cocktails guests were escorted upstairs to MAD’s Robert Restaurant for a scrumptious meal of Scottish Salmon and decadent desserts and a short program. New director Chris Scoates welcomes guests and expressed his excitement for his first LOOT. Joan Hornig, herself a former LOOT honoree, graciously introduced her longtime friend and 2019 honoree Adria de Haume. Adria expressed her gratitude in her speech that proclaimed, “Art is the answer to so much that is wrong in the world right now.” Chair Emeritus Barbara Tober took the stage to express her admiration and praise for Josi Natori who answered in a typically short speech, “I am lucky after four decades that I am doing what I love, art.” Marsy Mittlemann announces the winners of the Acquisition Prize, Mariko Kusumoto and Joo Hyung Park. A special thank you went out to sponsor Paolo Costagli who helped make LOOT possible.
PUBLIC EXHIBITION AND SALE HOURS
Tuesday, April 9: 10 am to 6 pm Wednesday, April 10: 10 am to 6 pm Thursday, April 11: 10 am to 9 pm Friday, April 12: 10 am to 6 pm Saturday, April 13: 10 am to 6 pm
Entrance to LOOT is included in the price of Museum admission: $16 general; $14 for seniors; $12 for students; free for MAD members and children under 18 years of age. To purchase tickets online, visit madmuseum.org/visit.
Photos by Jenna Bascom, Annie Watt, BFA
New York Academy of Art’s TriBeCa Ball
The world of New York’s art insiders gathered on Monday, April 8th at the New York Academy of Art to host their 24th annual TriBeca Ball. Admired for his larger-than-life sculptures and hard hedge paintings, artist Brian Donnelly, also known as KAWS, was honored at the Academy’s Franklin Street Building with the event sponsored by Van Cleef & Arpels as well as Champagne provided by Champagne Bollinger.
The TriBeCa Ball dazzled with décor inspired by the motif of Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhmabra Collection celebrating luck. Prior to heading down to dinner by renowned chef Daniel Boulud, guests enjoyed four floors of amazing space, including everything from drag queen stilt walkers pouring champagne, live art-making demos, and musicians performing sweet melodies. Each floor had many art students in their own studio spaces. Guests were able to mingle with these students and learn about their art making process while picking up pieces for their personal collections.
The city’s art-world insiders and A-listers including Liev Schreiber, Coco Rocha, Naomi Watts, Brooke Shields, and Kevin O’Leary (aka Mr. Wonderfull), Donna Karan and more, attended the New York Academy of Art’s TriBeCa Ball. Upon entering, guests were greeted by stilt walkers pouring Champagne Bollinger’s Special Cuvée from magnum sized bottles.
As soon as she arrived, Brooke Shields immediately went over to the character on stilts and watched in admiration as he poured Champagne Bollinger into her glass. Coco Rocha interacted with the stilt walkers as well, even taking the magnum sized Bollinger bottle from them to pose for pictures.
From a magician, stilt walkers, to golden glamour girls meandering throughout the four floors, every room was transformed to honor this year’s theme of “luck,” providing ample nooks and crannies for eager guests to explore.
As the cocktail portion of the evening started to near an end and the staff started to guide guests into the dinner, Brooke Shields took matters into her own hands, grabbed a bottle of Champagne Bollinger’s Special Cuvée, and topped off her glass of bubbly.
The gala raised over $850,000 to support scholarships for student artists and public programs.
Photos provided by New York Academy of Art
Friends of the Budapest Festival Orchestra Gala
Photos by Annie Watt
On Saturday, April 6th, the Budapest Festival Orchestra held their annual gala at the prestigious Carnegie Hall. Founded in 1983 by Iván Fischer and Zoltán Kocsis, the Budapest Festival Orchestra is recognized as one of the ten leading orchestras of the world. It is adored by audiences and applauded by international critics for its intensive and emotionally gripping performances. This year’s honorary chairs were Ambassador and Mrs. Donald Blinken, Renée Fleming, and Governor and Mrs. George Pataki. The evening began with cocktails and dinner in the Weill Music Room.
Sylvia Hemingway, Ivan Fischer, Libby Pataki, Vera Blinken, Ambassador Donald Blinken, Daisy Soros, Governor George Pataki
Laine Siklos and Heidi-Lee Komaromi
Maestro Iván Fischer made a dramatic entrance direct from a rehearsal and warmly greeting his old friend and chairman emeritus, Daisy Soros. At dinner, chairman Stephen Benko said, "We have so much to celebrate here. A return to Carnegie Hall is always special. Tonight will be stunning," followed by a warm and effusive Maestro Fisher, “I would like to hug everybody in this room. It is wonderful to be among our American friends. All of you should be mentioned tonight…”
Richard Gaddes, Noémi Neidorff, Ivan Fischer
The evening’s co-chairs were Sylvia Hemingway, Heidi-Lee-Komaromi, Christine Schott Ledes, Laine Siklos, and Stephanie Stokes.
Guests included: Susan Bender, Layla Diba, Martin Hoffman, Sylvia Hemingway, Noémi and Michael Neidorff, Alexandra Nicklas, Reni Rothschild, Sana Sabbagh, Donald and Barbara Tober, Suzanne Vega and Paul L. Mills, and Victoria Wyman.
Sylvia Hemingway, Antónia Bodó, Nurit Kahane Kasse, Stephen E. Benko
Paul Mills, Suzanne Vega
The evening’s gala committee included: Ambassador Colleen Bell, Susan Bender, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Buckfire, Aaron Feinstein, Andrew Komaromi, Mr. and Mrs. John Merey, Peter Thomas Roth, Emese Tardy-Green, and David Tobey.
The Budapest Festival Orchestra will return to New York August 4th for the Mostly Mozart Festival. Friends will be invited to the annual private Hamptons Summer Chamber Concert. The Orchestra will also perform at the Hollywood Bowl July 30, August 1st and 6th. If you have a chance to see them - DO.
Photos by Annie Watt
The Affordable Art Affair
As a student double majoring in Finance and Economics I spend the majority of my days learning formulas and computing data. It follows, that engaging with visual arts often takes a backburner in my life. In an attempt to stay abreast of the latest developments in the art world I attended the Affordable Art Fair held at the Metropolitan Pavilion. From the moment I entered the building I was overcome with exuberance. The Affordable Art Fair provided everything one could ever want from an art fair. The space was filled with countless original paintings, sculptures, and prints created by skilled artists from around the world. The stylish and diverse group of guests in attendance were just as interesting to observe as the art. And the bar was stocked with premium liquor, appropriately named Van Gogh Vodka. Ultimately, yielding a lively and welcoming atmosphere to appreciate the brilliant works of art on display.
Eager to explore this visual emporium I grabbed a map and begun visiting the many booths, each complete with a unique set of specially curated contemporary pieces. As I made my way through the two floors I expanded on my knowledge of fine art. Through making conversation with various art dealers I became familiarized with the names of some of the most distinguished artists of my time, gained insight on what to look for in a work of art, and learned the unexpected techniques and materials used by the creators.
With works from hundreds of artists, there is something suited to every taste. I was personally taken by the work produced by twins Franklyn and Brendan Connor. I was initially drawn to the dark humor presented in their paintings. I only became more intrigued with their work after talking with their representative. I learned that the Connor brothers were brought up within a cult known as “The Family” until their escape at age sixteen. As a result they were deprived of access to outside information throughout the entirety of their adolescence. Their highly unusual upbringing has altered their way of viewing society and this distinctive perspective is translated into their artwork.
Another artist that jumped out to me was the young artist Mónica Hernández, who in my opinion has perfected the art of visual storytelling. Her exhibition featured a collection of wonderfully colorful paintings. Her works primarily explore the concepts of desire and guilt, in relation to her background as a Dominican American.
Whether you are a seasoned collector, or simply looking for a creative and entertaining way to spend your evening, the Affordable Art Affair is the place for you.
FACE Africa 10th WASH Gala
Do you hate it when you burn your mouth while eating delicious hot food? Or when your phone charger won't reach your bed? While you are here complaining about your #firstworldproblems, there are millions of people elsewhere facing daily concerns of survival. It may seem ridiculous, but there are millions of people in the world today, who still do not have basic access to clean water and food.
This lack of access to water can be fatal, particularly for children. The absence of clean water and basic sanitation is among the leading causes of mortality among those younger than five all across Africa. Every year, FACE Africa hosts one of the largest gatherings of Africans and Friends of Africa in the movement to make a difference in their respective industries and communities, while raising money and awareness for Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programs and facilities around the continent.
On March 24, 2019, to commemorate World Water Day, FACE Africa hosted its 10th Annual WASH Gala on Saturday March 23, at Guastavino’s New York. This landmark 10th anniversary event drew attention to the clean water epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa and raised funds for clean water initiatives.To date, FACE Africa has impacted over 150,000 people in Liberia and Nigeria, with plans to expand to Ghana, Kenya and Mozambique.
Nearly 500 guests packed the iconic venue to honor soccer legend Didier Drogba, Actress Nomzamo Mbatha, and Bozoma Saint John, CMO at Endeavor. Delivering the 2019 keynote address was Target Corp’s Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer and Vice President of Human Resources, Ms. Caroline Wanga. Honorees were presented with New York State Proclamations and VIP guests included President of the Toronto Raptors Masai Ujiri, CEO of Red Media Group Adebola Williams and Nelson Muffuh from the Executive Office of the UN Secretary-General. The event concluded with an afterparty, hosted by Tanzanian Pop Star Vanessa Mdee and performances by South African artist Moonchild Sennelly.
FACE Africa promotes the key role of the diaspora in contributing back to the continent’s development. As Gala Co-Chair Adebola Williams stated, “my mission here is to remind us all that Africa depends on [the diaspora] more than ever.” The 2019 Gala grossed $230,000 from sponsorships, gala ticket sales, donations and pledges and funds will go towards FACE Africa’s clean water advocacy and infrastructure initiatives. “As always, we were so touched and humbled by the outpouring of love and support from our sponsors, donors and the hundreds of guests who came out in support of our work and mission,” said Saran Kaba Jones, Founder and CEO of FACE Africa. “It was truly a magical evening of celebration and inspiration and we’re so grateful to every single person who joined us on Saturday night.”
During the Gala, an announcement was made by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ondo State, Nigeria on Innovation and Partnerships. The Government of Ondo State recently launched a Water and Sanitation Campaign program in which they will invest
$5.2 Million to build WASH projects across 500 communities in Ondo State in the next year. The Governor has pledged to partner with FACE Africa and double every dollar invested in the WASH sector of Ondo State to the tune of $1.4million over the next year. So next time when you’re thinking about buying that expensive bag or that fancy meal. Think about how much your contributions would help others obtain things we take for granted.
Photos by InvitedNYC
Lincoln Center Young Patrons Gala
Imagine this scene. Its night time, and the bright lights of a century old church shines bright down upon you as you are making your way up the ancient steps. Near the entrance you hear a faint choir sound which is amplified to full volume as you step foot into the Lord’s house. Welcoming you, in their full glory, is the prominent Harlem Gospel Choir projecting their beautiful sounds which echoed off the mighty high ceilings. Once inside, you're surrounded by so many different visuals. Beautiful architecture and art: statues, icons, stained glass windows. The night light going through the stained-glass windows created a beautiful kaleidoscope of colors on the walls and pillars. The place is filled with beautiful people and everyone is dressed to the nines. This scene was a reality for the hundreds of guests who attended the Lincoln Center Young Patrons Gala this past Saturday.
On March 22, the Lincoln Center Young Patrons (LCYP) hosted their annual gala at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Billed as the largest cathedral in the world, this colossal of a structure swallows its visitors and the real world suddenly feels a thousand miles away.
The gala brought together 600+ New Yorkers – a mix of current Young Patrons, prospective philanthropists, and young arts enthusiasts seeking to deepen their engagement with Lincoln Center. The evening commenced with a festive cocktail reception, in which people mingled and admired the many artworks that was put on display just for the gala. The evening was lively with beats from DJ Jenny Albright and featured powerful performances by the Harlem Gospel Choir and SugarTone Brass Band.
The night also saw a silent auction featuring generous donations from Max Mara, HeyDay, Blushington, Rent the Runway, among others. Over $280,000 was raised to support Lincoln Center’s arts education and audience development initiatives.
No better way to spend a Saturday night than connecting with culturally minded New Yorkers who celebrate, support, and promote the world’s leading performing arts center: Lincoln Center.
Photos by LCYP
Orchid Evenings at The New York Botanical Garden
It’s coming up on a year since the theatrical release of Kevin Kwan’s Crazy Rich Asians, but the CRA hype is still going strong. Singapore has leaped about 10 places on everyone’s “must visit” list, and the film’s one of a kind wedding has inspired a barrage of copycats. But perhaps the most cultural of the film’s many threads of influence can be found at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. This year, until April 28th, The New York Botanical Gardens will be home to an Orchid Show inspired by the movie’s glamorous setting: Singapore.
Even without all the CRA hype, it makes perfect sense that Singapore would be the inspiration for an Orchid Show. After all, the country is known as the “City in a Garden.” And it’s official flower is an Orchid. It’s a near perfect match.
Still, the process of putting together an Orchid show is no easy one. In order to ensure that the orchids would survive in the chilly March weather, the famed Enid A. Haupt conservatory had to crank up the temperature in order to replicate Singapore’s signature tropical weather. And the orchids themselves had to be flown in from all around the world -- not only from Singapore, but Australia and Madagascar. The amount of planning and planting that goes into organizing a botanical show at the horticultural center of the United States is frankly, astounding.
But, in true NYBG fashion -- and CRA fashion -- everything of course turned out beautiful. In addition to the classic Singaporean supertrees and arches, more than 6,000 orchids were on display in the conservatory -- from the petite “Dancing Lady” orchid, to the vibrant “Vanda Awkafina” orchid, which was named in honor of CRA star Awkafina -- the first time the garden has ever named an orchid after a public figure. The beauty of the exhibit cannot be lost on anyone: on a Saturday night, hundreds of people packed into the gardens, taking picture after picture of the orchids in full bloom.
So, if you’re looking to take a trip to Singapore without dropping a thousand bucks on a flight, take a train uptown to the Gardens. The Orchid Show is currently on display, and will be there until April 28th.
International Beauty Show: When Art & Beauty Meet in NYC
What happens when art, beauty, and the big apple meet? A wonderland is born for all of New York’s makeup, hair, and styling gurus: on March 10-12, 2019, NYC was home to the 17th annual International Beauty Show. It’s no secret that I love fashion and beauty, and I was super excited to see what the city was hiding for me this time. I’ve never been to anything like this before, and I didn’t know what to expect. From CBD-infused beauty, WTF hairstyles, and LED technology for wellness, the show was very much beyond anything I could’ve ever imagined.
When I got in, I took a look across the many signs that filled the HUGE hall, and I read “Hair Section”. I went there first, and found myself walking around many live demos, giveaway shows, hair extensions, and product promotions… But it was the rainbow-bright hair tutorial that directly grabbed my attention. The teacher had a rainbow beard, a rainbow hair, and a rainbow necklace, and he was showing how to do (you’ve guessed it) a rainbow hair tutorial!
I then walked around different stands of multicolored eyeshadows, nail polish, lipsticks, blow-dryers, skincare oils and creams… You name it. Stylish and edgy-looking people (both women and men) were trying makeup testers, putting foundation on, or checking out nail designs…
As I was discovering new beauty products and techniques, a group of models walking around the hall surprised me. They were looking gorgeously unusual: they were transformed into beautiful creatures, and were only wearing makeup on-the NYC way! Amazed, people directly started snapping pictures of the models, as they graciously posed for the many cameras pointed at them.
Then, I strolled around the hall again, and I saw a beautifully-lit stage with people seated, as if waiting for a show to start. Curious to know what was going to happen next, I sat down and waited for the performance too. It turned out to be both a fashion show and a live class workshop with renown New York hair-stylists. I’ve seen and learned so much that day. The International Beauty Show was really a beauty haven, where NYC’s makeup and hair lovers could watch shows, meet artists, learn new skills, and know all about the trendiest products and stylings.
As I walked around for hours, I realized that there was something unique and new on every corner of the exhibition. I was too tired to continue, and there was still so much to see-but I wasn’t sad. The show went on for three days. That way, everyone could experience all of its hidden surprises-and I was not going to miss out on that.
The Brilliance Behind Beauty: BELLA's Influencer Issue Cover Party
In adolescence, Gossip Girl was my absolute favorite TV show. From watching the show I gained a sense that all high society events must be riddled with pettiness and egregious displays of superficiality. Bella’s New York Influencer Issue Cover Party proved that glamorous, affluent events can exist without being shallow.
Christie Brinkley on the cover of Bella Magazine
Bella magazine is a luxury lifestyle publication that celebrates the best of beauty, fashion, and cuisine. Bella’s Influencer Issue Cover Party was a direct reflection of the tasteful elegance captured in their magazines. New York's elite ventured to Bagatelle, a French Bistro in the Meatpacking District, to attend this private affair hosted by supermodel Christie Brinkley.
Pagie DeSorbo on the red carpet
Upon entering the party I immediately noticed the decor. The opulent old-world furnishings juxtaposed with contemporary graffiti art provided a sophisticated yet hip backdrop to this art-chic event.
Donald Paul
Laura Kia Chen
The party was buzzing with stylists, photographers, brand ambassadors, and Instagram influencers. As I circulated the room, admiring outfits and making conversation, I began to develop an understanding of what it means to be an influencer. In the broadest sense, an influencer may be defined as a person with the capacity to effect change. Bella Magazine’s interpretation of an influencer is much more nuanced. The guests of Bella Magazine demonstrated a deep social consciousness and recognized their responsibility to use their platform to make a positive impact. The beauty and fashion industries have a long-standing reputation of being frigid and vapid. This could not be further from the truth at Bella Magazine. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming; everyone had a drink in hand and a smile on their face.
Jenna Guarneri, Paula and Mindy Shapiro, Alexandra Anastasio, and Courtenay Hall
In between photo shoots on the red carpet, guests indulged in Plush Vodka or Chinola Liqueur cocktails mixed by resident robot bartender, Barsys. Opposite the bar was a beauty station which featured skincare products by Herla. Herla’s products are of the highest caliber, embracing social responsibility and sustainable development. Her products are made for women by women. Herla has adopted a holistic approach to skincare through developing a harmonious relationship between beauty, self-acceptance, health, and femininity.
Courtenay Hall and Daniel Hall with Christie Brinkley
Every aspect of the party was a demonstration of extraordinary style. All in all, a wonderful night of beauty, fashion, and fun!
Photos Provided by BELLA New York, Teresa Pyskaty and Steve White
A Bite of New York - 2019 C-CAP Annual Benefit
Living in New York for 6 years, it’s no surprise that I’ve morphed into one of those jaded, judgy foodies. My daily screen time on Yelp is almost an hour, but I am still having a hard time finding the cuisines that can “wow” me. Isn’t that scary? Well, fortunately and unfortunately, I am definitely not the only New Yorker with the problem of choice paralysis. The good news is, I’ve overcome it, and the magic was done by the C-CAP 2019 Benefit Chefs.
C-CAP (Careers through Culinary Arts Program) is an incubator for future leaders of the culinary and hospitality industry. In short, it brings the best chefs to the world. As a national non-profit organization, C-CAP is committed to educating and guiding underserved high school students to a bright future by awarding $65-million in scholarship money. Honoring Chef Eric Ripert, the co-owner of the Michelin 3-Star Restaurant Le Bernardin, C-CAP held its 2019 Benefit Event at Pier Sixty .
When I opened the door to the event, I was immediately seduced by the unique and powerful aromas of food pervading the air. My first stop was the table prepared by Almond, which served incredibly delicious “Smoked Duck Tacos.” Displayed on a table adorned by sea salt, sage, star anise, and Lonicera maackii that reminded me of the summers in Mexico’s Gulf Coast, the tacos appeared to be exceptionally tempting. After my first bite, I had this strong feeling that my passion for cuisines was coming back.
Don’t think of me as an over-reactor because I was not the only one who exclaimed during the tasting. After I finished my first round, my friend arrived and asked me for recommendations. “Try the squash soup”, I said. He was skeptical, but, I dragged him to the table of Batard, where he ended up satiating himself with the creamy and delicate squash soup mixed with brown butter sabayon and brioche croutons. After one bite, he was on my side.
While sipping the superb Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, We finished the grand tour of cuisines served by 30 of New York’s top chefs including Eric Ripert, Daniel Boulud from Restaurant Daniel, and Marcus Samuelsson from Red Rooster Harlem. During a brief conversation with Chef Samuelsson while having his salmon roll in my mouth, I was impressed by his culinary talent, the local spirit of Harlem, the authenticity and diversity of Red Rooster’s creations, as well as his hospital personality.
Jason (left), Me (middle), and Chef Marcus Samuelsson (right)
After three hours of decadence, my stomach was stuffed with the best comfort food you can find in the city: The Modern’s “White Asparagus with Black Truffles over Creamy Polenta”, Estiatorio Milo’s signature “Lavraki Baked in Sea Salt”, and the “Beef Tenderloin Salad” from Porter House were just some of the dishes I went back for again and again — but no guilt here, because it was all for charity!
Chef Eric Ripert Giving a Speech
The evening featured a live and silent auction, which successfully raised a tremendous amount of funds to support students with educational and career opportunities through the culinary arts. During an interview with current students at C-CAP, they told me that this benefit event was the one of the most important moments in their lives. It not only provided them opportunities to cooperate with and learn from the top chefs in the world, but it also provided them with the financial support that is instrumental to their development.
Near the end of the event, I got myself a glass of Chardonnay and took a seat by the French windows. Sitting in one of the best venues in New York City, smelling the aromatic cuisines, enjoying Hudson River’s picturesque water views and the city lights of New York, I finally got lost in the air of romance.
Aquarius 2019
Photo Credit Tyler Hollinger
On Saturday, January 26th, the ordinarily industrial Long Island City was treated to a bit of opulence through the return of Secret Summer Aquarius, an “Arctic Chic” sustainable seafood and cocktail event. Held at The Foundry, a fully restored 19th century building, which boasts 3,000 sprawling square feet of space and offers up stunning views of the Manhattan skyline along with a gorgeous indoor Greenhouse.
Photo Credit Tyler Hollinger
Photo Credit Tyler Hollinger
The affair featured interactive, insta worthy rooms, for their fashion forward, millennial cliente. The stunning space was filled with delicacies from the sea that were perfectly paired with complimentary spirits. Aquarius comes to life each year courtesy of the talented producers of Secret Summer, Tyler Hollinger of HighLife Productions, Andrew Maturana of RAPT and Allison du Val of The Foundry.
Photo Credit Tyler Hollinger
Sustainable seafood offerings were as vast as the ocean. MF EVENTS had a raw bar filled with oysters served three ways. Midtown Greek hotspot Kellari Taverna, CA'PISCI in Williamsburg, Crazy Taco Mex, Neapolitan Express and My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream all offered up delicious snacks as well. Awe-inspiring accessories were available to purchase from Nuun Watch Official and Penelope Traveling Boutique. Guests commemorated the magical evening with photoshoots in the 4Five Photo Booth. Immersive experiences took shape throughout the night with Winter Burlesque from Karina and two all-star performances from Hudson Horns that brought down the house. The night's soundtrack was provided by DJ Sasha Hart with guitarist Neon Jesus in the main room and DJ Ryan Vandal in the Albra Room. Revelers were able to warm up inside or outside by lit firepits.
Photo Credit Tyler Hollinger
World class brands were also brought on board for this exclusive party. Coney Island Brewery provided craft beer and hard sodas. Barr Hill Gin & Caledonia Spirits, Tanteo Tequila, Spring 44 Distillery and The Finnish Long Drink and Ketel One served up their premium spirits. Ardbeg & Oysters offered guests Ardbeg 10YO Bloody Marys and the 10YO Long Islay paired neat with Oysters for purchase from MF Events. Polar Seltzer Water and Töst and Harmless Harvest Coconut Water ensured guests stayed hydrated all night long. Guests were also able to sample ginger beers from Fentimans Botanical, and sparkling probiotic drinks from KeVita.
Secret Summer, the country's only farm-to-bar cocktail festival, will return to The Foundry on August 4th. For more information, please visit: http://secretsummernyc.com
The Winter Show 2019
The Winter Show Opening Night Party, held on Thursday, January 17, 2019, was attended by nearly 2,000 people from the worlds of arts & antiques, design, business and philanthropy. The evening provided an opportunity for guests to peruse and purchase highly coveted museum-quality objects before the Show opened to the public on January 18, 2018. Proceeds from the Opening Night Party, and all net proceeds from the Winter Antiques Show, benefit East Side House Settlement—a community-based organization in the South Bronx and surrounding communities.
Under the leadership of new Executive Director Helen Allen, New York’s longest-running art, antiques, and design fair celebrates its 65th Anniversary Sapphire Jubilee. The 2019 edition will feature 68 exhibitors presenting a dynamic mix of fine and decorative arts from around the world, dating from ancient times through the present day. In 2018, The Winter Show changed its name from The Winter Antiques Show to recognize and embrace the long-established breadth and diversity of its exhibitors. The Fair was established in 1954 by East Side House Settlement, a community-based organization serving the Bronx and Northern Manhattan. All net proceeds from the 10-day event benefit the organization’s life-changing programming.
New exhibitors this year include Charles Ede (London, UK), Erik Thomsen Gallery (New York, USA), Lowell Libson & Jonny Yarker Ltd (London, UK), Red Fox Fine Art (Middleburg, VA) and returning exhibitors Les Enluminures (Chicago and New York USA; Paris, France) and Maison Gerard (New York, USA). The 2019 loan exhibition Collecting Nantucket, Connecting the World will celebrate 125 years of collecting by the Nantucket Historical Association, presenting the best the Association has to offer in paintings, craft, and folk arts.
Returning for a 23rd year, the Show’s Presenting Sponsor is Chubb, with Fran O’Brien, Division President, Chubb North America Personal Risk Services, as Chair of the Opening Night Party. The Show’s 2019 Design Chairs are Frank de Biasi, Victoria Hagen, and John B. Murray, eminent figures in the world of interior design and architecture.
The Winter Show runs from January 18-27, 2019, at the Park Avenue Armory, 67th Street and Park Avenue, New York City. Hours of admission are 12 PM–8 PM daily, except Sundays and Thursday, 12 PM–6 PM, and Tuesday, 12 PM– 4:30 PM. Daily admission is $25, which includes the Show’s award-winning catalogue.
The Winter Show
The Winter Show celebrates its 65th year as the leading art, antiques, and design fair in America, featuring 68 of the world’s leading experts in the fine and decorative arts. The Winter Show is an annual benefit for East Side House Settlement, a community-based organization serving the Bronx and Northern Manhattan. East Side House’s programs focus on education and technology as gateways out of poverty and the keys to economic opportunity. All net proceeds from the Fair’s general admission, the Opening Night Party and all other special events benefit East Side House and contribute substantially to its philanthropic budget.
East Side House Settlement
East Side House Settlement is a community-based organization in the South Bronx. Recognizing education as the key to economic and civic opportunity, East Side House works with schools, community centers, and other partners to bring quality education and resources to individuals in need, helping approximately 10,000 residents of the Bronx and Northern Manhattan improve their lives each year. For more information, please visit eastsidehouse.org
Sleeping Beauty Dreams
The legend of Sleeping Beauty has been reiterated by masters since the 14th century, but no one has explored what the princess was dreaming while she slept for 100 years. This question was answered in the New York’s Premiere of Sleeping Beauty Dreams, an innovative artistic performance that unifies dance, contemporary art, and cutting-edge digital technology.
New Yorkers crowded the iconic Beacon Theatre to see artists of different medias draw inspiration from the famous legend and explore the untold story of Princess Aurora’s 100 years of dreams. Combining real-time digital imaging technology, contemporary choreography, electronic music, and new media art Sleeping Beauty Dreams showed that the world of dreams is unique and doesn’t have to be confined by time or space. World famous ballerina Diana Vishneva, performed as Princess Aurora, and Marcelo Gomes, as Prince Peter, are reunited together in a fusion of dance, music, art, and revolutionary 3D digital technology never seen onstage before.
The visuals were a treat for the eyes. Sleeping Beauty Dreams hypnotized the guests with its spectacular imagery colors and it was a feast for the eyes. Every one of Diana Vishneva’s flow of moves was simultaneously interpreted digitally on a screen using motion-capture technology.
Diana’s dancing was full of emotion and intensity as she showed her active range in more modern fare with Choreography by Edward Clug. The real star of the production was the technology which was a truly multi-dimensional experience and everyone probably spent as much time (or more) watching the video projections as the dancers.
In 2019 Sleeping Beauty Dreams will tour nationally to 20 cities and in 2020, internationally. Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information visit www.sbdart.com.
2018 Dance Magazine Awards
On Monday, December 4th, Dance Magazine celebrated their annual anticipated awards show. The 61st Awards celebration took place at The Ailey Citigroup Theater, and honored Ronald K. Brown (his award presented by Arcell Cabuag), Lourdes Lopez (presented by the Ford Foundation’s Darren Walker), Crystal Pite (presented by Sean Curran), and Michael Trusnovec (presented by Patrick Corbin). A special Leadership Award was presented to Nigel Redden by Dance Media CEO Frederic Seegal.
An emotional Misty Copeland opened the program, "I’ve just come from Arthur Mitchell’s memorial service. Celebrating a life of such incredible impact, puts so much into perspective...and a stronger understanding of my responsibility as a human, as an American, as a black woman, and as a black ballerina! We all in this room and in the dance world hold a responsibility to use what we love for good. To move the art form forward, to move and motivate one another, to transcend race, religion, and politics! Dance unifies us."
The evening included performances by Evidence, Miami City Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Paul Taylor Dance Company, and Gallim Dance.
Proceeds from last year's ceremony created a new grant, The Harkness Promise Award, for emerging young artists and the promise of their artistic work. The Harkness Foundation For Dance's vice president, Joan Finkelstein, announced the inaugural awardees; Raja Feather Kelly and Ephrat Asherie. The pair accepted the award together saying in unison, “we promise... not to let you down!". Proceeds from this year's Dance Magazine Awards will be applied to next year's Harkness Promise Awards.
To donate to next year's Harkness Promise Award, visit https://www.fracturedatlas.org/site/FiscalSponsorship/profile?id=17922#giving_levels
Since 1954 the Dance Magazine Awards have recognized outstanding men and women whose contributions have left a lasting impact on dance.
The China Institute annual Blue Cloud Gala
The China Institute annual Blue Cloud Gala honored Liu Dan, John S. Long, Howard P. Milstein, and Dame Jillian Sackler for their contributions to US-China relations. Co-chaired by Yue-Sai Kan and Chien Chung (Didi) Pei, the evening included performances by the U.S. China Music Institute at Bard College Conservatory and ballroom champion dancers Victor Fung and Anastasia Muravyeva. More than 300 guests crowded the Pierre Hotel Grand Ballroom and raised nearly one million dollars.
Howard P. Milstein was honored for his generous philanthropy and for founding the Milstein Medical Asian American Partnership Foundation. Receiving the award, he said, “It’s a privilege to be able to help support the good work of the China Institute, and it is particularly meaningful because I’ve had the opportunity to benefit from many of their scholarly programs.” Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney sent him a special congratulatory video.
John S. Long, founder of the Long Family Foundation, was honored for establishing the University of California Irvine Long Institute, which works to bridge a common understanding between the US and China. “I’m just delighted to be part of this,” said Long. “We do a lot of work with the second generation of Chinese here and that’s something that we and China Institute have been collaborating on.”
Dame Jillian Sackler, philanthropist and chair of the Foreign Policy Association, was recognized for her achievements in East-West cultural diplomacy, including founding the Arthur M. Sackler Museum of Art and Archaeology at Peking University in Beijing. “I’m very honored to receive the Blue Cloud Award,” said Dame Jillian. “I feel like a pioneer of museums in China because I built the first teaching museum there in 1993. It was the first modern institution in the country to have state-of-the-art curatorial standards. I feel proud to have begun the realization that museums can contribute to the community.” Dame Jillian wore a gown created by Chinese designer, Guo Pei. The dress’ half-black, half-white pattern with embroidery and ink took more than 560 hours to make and was meant to symbolize a “cultural collision”, as well as Dame Jillian’s talent for bringing people together.
Liu Dan, one of China’s most significant living artists, was also honored. His award was accepted by Didi Pei. “The construction process is never truly finished because we are always looking to do more, and this is what tonight is really about,” said Pei. “It is an opportunity to highlight all that we have done and set our collective sights on what we will build moving forward.
The gala also featured a live auction by CK Swett who raised $250,000.
The China Institute is the oldest bicultural, non-profit organization in the US to focus exclusively on China. At the gala, their president, James Heimowitz, announced new initiatives to come, including launching the US-China Next Generation Philanthropy Initiative, providing opportunities for emerging Chinese and American philanthropists. China Institute will also begin working with Bard College
Conservatory to teach traditional Chinese music to New York City communities.
Photo Credit: Gonzalo Marroquin/Patrick McMullan
Fall Family Party at The Guggenheim
On Wednesday, November 28, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum hosted the Fall Family Party to benefit the museum’s longstanding Learning Through Art program, an artist residency program that has served nearly 150,000 New York City public schools students since its founding in 1970.
The benefit was attended by key supporters of the program including Anna Kovner(granddaughter of the program’s founder, Natalie Lieberman), Whitney Schwartz, Kimberly and Aaron M. Tighe, and Kim Vinnakota; as well as Richard Armstrong, Director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, Wendy Fisher, President, Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation Board of Trustees; and Greer Kudon, Associate Director of Learning Through Art.
The evening began with a family-friendly reception at The Wright restaurant, and was followed by art-making activities inspired by the exhibitions Hilma af Klint: Paintings for the Future, and R.H. Quaytman: + x, Chapter 34.
Photo Credit: Guggenheim
The Essence of Lightness
On October 24, 2018, Nello Petrucci, an Italian artist from Pompeii, presented another one of his mesmerizing artworks: The Essence of Lightness.
The piece, which was inspired by Petrucci’s life in Pompeii and background in the film industry, took up a full wall on the 45th floor of 3 World Trade Center. Surrounded by the panoramic views of New York City, Petrucci took over six months to complete the piece., even relocating here to dedicate all of his creative focus and direction into manifesting his work.
The artwork, which more closely resembles an installation due to its unusual size and location, remains true to Petrucci’s fashion of creating collages using movie posters, brush strokes and several layering techniques.
Just as with his previous work, The Pompeii Collection, Petrucci used film, concert and ad posters as a base for The Essence of Lightness. He walked around New York City and tore down old and new posters. After completing the collection process, he began the intricate layering process. Two or more additional images or posters were added, followed by strokes of paint. As with The Pompeii Collection, Petrucci included some parts of Pompeii within his work through photos of the Pompeii paintings on the surface, fusing them with the layers of posters.
Yet, what is unique about The Essence of Lightness is the continuous motif of butterflies. If looked at from a distance, an observer might not notice that there are butterflies spread out from the beginning to the end of the painting. However, once an observer gets closer, they will realize that the butterflies are flying through the painting, representing time.
According to Petrucci, the beginning of the artwork represents the past. It represents the history of Pompeii and various thoughts and experiences that we, as human beings, lost sight of. The middle of the painting represents the present. It is everything that we are experiencing at the moment, whether it is delight or worry, we are living in the moment. The butterflies get higher and spread wider as you approach the end of the painting. The end represents our hopes and dreams for the future. If the observer steps back and takes a look at the overall piece, it is reminiscent of the course of life and everything we have experienced, are going through and shall expect.
Overall, The Essence of Lightness was an innovative way to represent such an intense and magical piece. Surrounded by the night skyline of New York City, it becomes almost surreal and yet Petrucci managed to conquer it all and spill it on canvas.
The Essence of Lightness is not available to the public at the moment, but here is a short clip about the making of the fascinating installation.
Guggenheim International Gala Pre-Party
On Wednesday, November 14th, the Solomon R. Guggenheim museum hosted a glamorous pre-party to kick off the 2018 Guggenheim International Gala. Made possible by Dior, the annual event supports the museum’s internationally renowned exhibitions as well as its educational and public programming. This year’s Gala honored the Edmond de Rothschild Foundation and philanthropists Dimitris Daskalopoulos and Alice Walton.
In a celebratory precursor to the Gala’s Thursday night benefit dinner, nearly 600 guests filled the emblematic rotunda of the Guggenheim gallery to sip champagne, listen to music, and experience the museum’s featured exhibition: Hilma af Klint: Paintings for the Future. The collection showcased the Swedish artist’s colorful and abstract imagery which she deemed too radical for the early 20th century artistic sphere, keeping her works private to reserve them for future audiences.
The event in itself was a spectacle of visual culture, from the paintings of the Klint exhibition to the atmospheric purple glow of the Guggenheim spiral which, along with a colorful, interactive photo booth, presented the perfect photo opportunities for stylish celebs, many of whom wore designs by Dior. The evening was lively with beats from DJ AMRIT and featured a powerful performance by R&B singer-songwriter Jorja Smith.
The dinner on November 15 featured a menu by Gunnar Gíslason, Executive Head Chef of Agern, as well as a special performance of the oldest song in the world, the “Hurrian Hymn,” arranged by Nico Muhly and commissioned by Works & Process at the Guggenheim.
Over $2 million was raised in support of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, advancing a range of internationally acclaimed exhibitions and educational programs, while providing stewardship for the Guggenheim’s modern and contemporary art collection and its building.
Other guests included Maria Grazia Chiuri, Olivia Palermo, Winnie Harlow, Sofia Hublitz, Eleanor Lambert, Rebecca Dayan, Sophie Auster, Zosia Mamet, Gideon Adlon, Janet Montgomery, Anna Baryshnikov, Jon Batiste, A$AP Ferg, Sam Beckerman, Cali Beckerman, Hannah Bronfman, Juana Burga, Jessica Clements, Brendan Fallis, Daniella Garcia, Amalie Gassmann, Kat Graham, GoldLink, Gala Gonzalez, Charlotte Groeneveld, Mckenna Hellam, Anne Huntingon, Makenzie Leigh, Danny Mapes, Selah Marley, Chantal Monaghan, Harley Viera Newton, TK Quann, Cipriana Quann, Rachele Regini, Camille Rowe, Charlotte Sarkozy, Ryan Jamaal Swain, Duckie Thot, Geraldine Viswanathan, Brittany Xavier, Gemma Ward, Nicole Warne, and Tiffany Zabludowicz.
Photos by Guggenheim
About the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation
Founded in 1937, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation is dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of art, primarily of the modern and contemporary periods, through exhibitions, education programs, research initiatives, and publications. The Guggenheim constellation of museums that began in the 1970s when the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, was joined by the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice, has since expanded to include the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao (opened 1997) and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi (currently in development). The Guggenheim Foundation continues to forge international collaborations that celebrate contemporary art, architecture, and design within and beyond the walls of the museum, including the Guggenheim Social Practice initiative, Guggenheim UBS MAP Global Art Initiative, and The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Chinese Art Initiative. More information about the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation can be found at guggenheim.org.