Very cold in New York

A water fountain outside the Museum of Natural History. 2:45 PM. Photo: JH.

Last night in New York: Bill and Ann Nitze gave a cocktail reception at their East Side penthouse for Thaddaeus Ropac, the European contemporary art dealer who has galleries in Salzburg and in Paris. Ann is also a private art dealer here, in Washington (their main residence) and Aspen where Bill is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Aspen Institute which was founded by his uncle William Paepcke, who also founded the Aspen Skiing Company.

Last night’s occasion was one of several parties and receptions in New York to mark the opening tomorrow (and running through Sunday, March 8th) of The Armory Show – the International Fair of New art – now the world’s leading art fair devoted exclusively to contemporary art since its inception ten years ago where it was first presented at the 69th Regiment Armory – the same site as the legendary Armory Show of 1913 that introduced modern art to America.

Outside Pier 94

The fair is now a business project of the Joseph P. Kennedy family’s Merchandise Mart of Chicago. It is the successor to the highly acclaimed Gramercy International Art Fairs that attracted thousands to their New York, Los Angeles and Miami shows between 1994 and 1998.

Last night’s party was a jolly affair with artists, collectors and dealers enjoying the Nitzes’ hospitality and delicious hors d’oeuvres and drink.

Richard Dupont, Rachel Hovnanian, and Tom Sachs

Jane Cafritz, Emily Frick, and April Gow

Louisa Guinness and Ben Brown (Mr. and Mrs.) in from London (where they both have galleries) for the Armory Show. Louisa is wearing a ring designed by Anish Kapoor, earrings by Ron Arumn and necklace by Marc Quinn.

Lavinia Calza (wearing Anish Kapoor), Matthias Schaller, and Louisa Guinness

Kristen von Riel, Evelyn Tomkins, and Elizabeth Belfer

Rachel Hovnanian, Donald Baechler, and Ara Hovnanian

Anne Bass

Veronica Coleman and Thaddaeus Ropac

Meg Braff and Bruce Addison

Bill Nitze and Sedi Flugelman

Ada and Alex Katz and Richard Dupont.

Last Thursday at the Grand Ballroom of the New York Hilton, the One Hundred Black Men, Inc. of New York City (OHBMNY) held its 29th Annual Benefit gala. The theme for the evening was: “Recognizing Our Past, Shaping Our Future.”


	This Thursday night from 7 to 9 at 132 Books at 192 Tenth Avenue between 21st and 22nd Street, Gagosian Gallery and Rizzoli are hosting a book signing and panel discussion with Tom Sachs, Andy Spade and Bill Powers to celebrate the publication of Tom's "Space Program." Call 212-255-4022 for reservations or to reserve a signed book.

The black tie even was hosted by WNBC-TV Anchor and Reporter DeMarco Morgan honored the Honorable Thomas P. DiNapoli, New York State Comptroller with the Distinguished Service Award; Don Peebles, CEO and Chairman of the Peebles Corporation who received the Corporate Citizen Award; Dr. Malcolm D. Reid, Chairman of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center who was awarded the Distinguished Physician Community Service Award; and John W. Rogers Jr, Chairman and CEO, Ariel Investments who received the Corporate Education Award. OHBMNY member Felton “Buddy” Johnson was saluted as Mentor of the Year.

“Following our nation’s historic presidential election and inauguration, we could not be more excited at the opportunity to honor four men who are giants in business, finance, real estate and healthcare and whose work positively impacts our core program areas—mentoring, education, health and wellness, and economic development. As we celebrate more than four decades of achievement, One Hundred Black Men, Inc. is delighted to award the accomplishments of these four outstanding men,” said OHBMNY president Philip L. Banks Jr.

Mayor Bloomberg

Governor Paterson

Craig Simmons, Loida Nicholas Lewis, and Phil Banks, Jr.

David Banks and Wanda Mann

550 guests raised $450,000, with such notables attending as Governor David Paterson, ABC News Mellody Hobson, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, New York City Comptroller William Thompson, New York City Schools Chancellor Joel Klein, New York State Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith, District Leader Walter T. Mosley and Miss USA, Crystle Stewart.

Craig Simmons was Gala Chairman. The benefit committee members were: David P. Brand, Will Brown, Rev. Jacques A. DeGraff, Aldrin K. Enis, James C. Harrison, Jr., Tyrone Terrence McKinney, Fitzgerald Miller, Clarence Smith, Jr. and Hilton O. Smith.