On April 28, 2016, Free Arts NYC held its 17th Annual Art Auction to benefit the organization’s educational arts mentoring programs for underserved youth and families, as well as honoring Glenn O’Brien.
Free Arts NYC, which was founded in 1997, has provided 31,000 children from under-resourced urban communities with a unique combination of educational arts and mentoring programs in their efforts to foster the self-confidence and resiliency needed to realize their fullest potential.
The event was hosted by Richard Prince, and began with a silent auction as guests were provided food and cocktails. During the auction, led by Paddle8’s Alexander Gilkes. Tony Shafrazi picked up a piece by Richard Prince and there was a bidding war over a Jonas Wood work which went for $57,000. The food for the event was provided by Casa Lever, The Fat Radish, Felice and Sant Ambroeus and drinks were courtesy of Don Julio and Ketel One.
After a Perrier-Jouet toast, guests enjoyed a seated dinner presented by Fendi with floral arrangements by L’Olivier. In addition to designing the step & repeat wall, Andre Saraiva made a special edition numbered and signed keepsake for each dinner guest while Damien Florbert Cuypers created 2 minute illustrated portraits of attendees. Several guests, such as Hilary Rhoda, had their portrait taken onsite by Sante D’Orazio with one of only three existing 20×24 Polaroid cameras.
The evening also featured a performance by The Onyx Collective while DJ Graham spun tunes throughout the night.
On their way out, dinner guests picked up Rizzoli gift bags which included Glenn O’Brien’s book How To Be a Man.