The Art Show 2015: A Dazzling Success
By Henry Street Settlement
Click here to see photos of the Art Show Gala Preview »
Neither snow nor sleet kept New York City’s leading philanthropists, art enthusiasts, and business, cultural and social leaders, from attending the elegant 27th annual Art Show Gala Preview last night at the Park Avenue Armory. The Art Show—one of the foremost art fairs in the nation—benefits Henry Street Settlement’s vital programs and is organized by the Art Dealers Association of America.
The elegant affair began with a ribbon cutting by New York City Cultural Affairs Commissioner Tom Finklepearl. Spotted among the guests were actress Rosanna Arquette, business leader and top art collector Leonard Lauder, and New York Times photographer Bill Cunningham. Attendees enjoyed elaborate hors d’oeuvres, and fine wines and champagne, while viewing thoughtfully curated solo, two-person, and thematic exhibitions by 72 of the nation’s leading art dealers.
The Gala Preview is among New York City’s most eagerly anticipated early spring events, and one of the highlights of Armory Week. Agnes Gund was honorary chair of the event. Co-chairs were Bunty Armstrong, Janine and J. Tomilson Hill, Alexandra Lebenthal, and Byron and Anita Volz Wien. Lead sponsor of The Art Show is AXA Art.
Established in 1989, the show immediately garnered considerable acclaim among collectors and critics and has continued to set the standards of excellence with its museum-quality exhibitions of Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary works. Today, it is the nation’s longest-running fine art fair.
“We are grateful to the Art Show Committee, our Board of Directors, our staff, our funders, the Art Dealers Association of America and all the patrons who attend,” said David Garza, Executive Director of Henry Street Settlement. “It is gratifying to see how our supporters come out for us in all conditions, just as we are there for our clients unconditionally. The Art Show is our biggest fundraiser, and provides essential support to help the Settlement carry out its mission to open doors of opportunity for those in need.”
The Art Show open to the public from March 4 to 8, from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $25. Tickets are available electronically or at the door of the Armory, located on Park Avenue at 67th Street.
The Silent Auction of 2015 Art Show is live on Paddle8 and features works by eight celebrated contemporary artists and a drawing by Henri Matisse generously donated by The Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation. This year’s auction highlights artists and galleries that are part of our shared Lower East Side arts community.
Throughout 2015 Henry Street Settlement’s Abrons Arts Center is celebrating the Centennial of its historic Playhouse. Ella Kruglyanskaya, an alumnus of the Abrons AIRspace residency program, has produced a special Abrons Centennial Print Edition, available for purchase on Paddle8 and generously produced by Pace Prints. Throughout 2015 Henry Street Settlement’s Abrons Arts Center is celebrating the Centennial of its historic Playhouse.
All Gala proceeds, auction proceeds and daily admissions support Henry Street’s seventeen programs across the Lower East Side.
UPDATED: The Art Show was a success, raising nearly $1.2 million for Henry Street’s programs. The Paddle8 auction raised pver $100,000, included a drawing by Matisse that sold for $78,000.
