The Washington Street Whitney is still good five to six years away from the game-changing reality, but on Thursday we got a preview of things to come. Two giant tents were erected on the museum’s future site to celebrate the Groundbreaking week of the institution as well as to hand out the 2011 American Art Award to Marissa Mayer. Here’re the details: The army of artists: Roni Horn, Cory Arcangel, Richard Phillips, Laurie Simmons, Lorna Simpson, Christo, Irit Batsry, Shirin Neshat, Claes Oldenburg, Thomas Otterness, Andrew Lord, and Richard Tuttle, among many others. Big shot supporters: LVMH’s Renaud Dutreil, Susan Hess, Cinidi Lieve, Anne H. Bass, André Balazs, Jacqueline and Vito Schanbel, and Brooke Garber Neidich. Most popular guest: John McEnroe, who’s still being teased about his match winning record that’s being challenged by Novak Djokovic right now at French Open. Best dressed: Josephine Meckseper who’s heading to Venice next. Sure sign that this American gala: Meat loaf and mac’n’cheese was your main course. Best surprise: Debbie Harry and the Blondie taking the stage (and complaining about the dump they were performing in). Welcome unofficial after-party cameos: Chelsea Handler, Olivier Zahm, Ann Dexter Jones, who were all spotted at Boom Boom after with some high-dealing Whitney socials. Photos - CLINT SPAULDING/PatrickMcMullan.com [gallery order="DESC" columns="4" orderby="ID"]

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