ProjectArt “Make Your Mark” 3rd Annual Gala at The Puck Building in NYC on Feb 37, 2014

[Debbie Rodriguez]

On Thursday February 27th, ProjectArt hosted its Third Annual Gala at Dolce Vita showroom at The Puck Building in Soho. The Gala’s master of ceremonies this year was CNN’s anchor Rosa Flores who spoke about the importance of art education and her support of ProjectArt while auctioneer CK Swett directed the silent and live auction hosted by Gavel & Grand with real-time masterpieces created by the ProjectArt students and interactive art installations.

Supporters of the cause turned up to the Dolce Vita Showroom to enjoy the students’ art displayed throughout the venue and had their portrait caricatures drawn live by ProjectArt students as they listened to music spun by DJ Lucas and took photos at the Snap Yourself! booth. Guests enjoyed beer and wine by Brooklyn Brewery and Apothic Wine and cocktails by Cayrum and Herradura Tequila. The event also featured a wine and cheese tasting provided by City Winery and Murray’s Cheese, as well as hors d’oeurvres by Landhaus. Other refreshments were provided by GuS and Langers Juice. 

The guests of honor included: Kyle DeWoody (Co-founder, Grey Area), Darius Walker (CNN Bureau Chief New York), Grimanesa Amoros (Contemporary Artist – Top 50 contemporary artists in the world), CK Swett  (Celebrity Auctioneer), Dr. Mary E. Davis  (Dean, Fashion Institute of Technology), Pam Sommers (Exec. Director of Publicity, Rizzoli New York), Helen Toomer (Director, Pulse Art Fair), Ambre Kelly (Director, SPRING/BREAK Art Show), Mathieu Eugene (New York City Council Member). Spectacular show of support from art world behemoths: Christie's, Bonhams, Paddle 8,  Art Production Fund, Rizzoli, Lehmann Maupin, Claudia Stone Gallery, Morgan Lehman Gallery, RH Contemporary, Asya Geisberg Gallery and Benrimon Contemporary.

ProjectArt was able to raise approximately $48,823 making this their most successful gala yet. A live painting by ProjectArt’s students Jamiel Burkhart and Paula Persiani went for $900. Adarsh Alphons, founder and executive director of the organization stated, “Last night was a victory for arts education and youth! Supporters together raised funds to makes arts possible for over 237 children, who wouldn't otherwise have any access to the arts. Everyone was deeply inspired and overall the event was a tremendous success.”

*Photo Credit: Joel Simpson