Wait…There’s More Whitney!

26 May 2011
by Art Rubynstein

Yes, kids- the Whitney parade isn’t over just yet. This week’s festivities for the museum included a groundbreaking ceremony, an awards dinner, and last night’s annual Art Party hosted by the Whitney Contemporaries at the Highline Stages. The attendance was healthy, the bidding was heated, and honorary co-chair Amar’e Stoudemire was very, very tall.

Notable artists in the crowd: Pink loving Will Cotton, Josephine Meckseper, Max Snow, Emily Roysdon, Slater Bradley, William Burton Binnie, and Amit Greenberg were just few of familiars in the room.

Biggest power move: Amar’e Stoudemire’s personal roped off VIP section complete with security guards. “I loved all the art, but getting to the bidding tables might be challenging,” he smiled. No kidding. Just leave the guards behind next time, Mr. Knick. Art people don’t know there sports, anyway.

Most notable date duo: Jason Wu and Shala Monroque, whom the designer dressed. “I definitely needed a mental break before resort collection,” said the designer. “And this art evening is doing that for me.”

Best dressed: Model Joan Smalls in Hakaan, who came with boyfriend Bernard Smith and also gave friend and designer Monique Pean a makeover. “We’re hunting for desserts tonight,” smiled Smalls as trays of sweet stuff were seldom to find.

Fashion notables in the crowd: Tanned and happy Brian Wolk and Claude Morais, Prabal Gurung, Max Osterweis, Michelle Harper, Johan Lindeberg, Max Vallot, and Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs.

Art notables: China Chow who just wrapped season two of Work of Art, Adam D. Weinberg, Bettina Prentice, and Lisa De Kooning.

Photos: Billy Farrell/BFAnyc.com

Inside Art Ruby’s Richard Phillips Spectacular

28 April 2010
by Art Rubynstein

There always comes a time for the very first dinner party, and ART RUBY’s premiere big bash took place this week in New York. We happily hosted an evening at The Lion to celebrate Richard Phillips, one of our very favorite artists who’s having one hell of a spring. Phillips co-curated Your History is Not Our History exhibit with David Salle (that closes at Haunch of Venison on Friday) and is part of the group showing at the Swiss Institute that will unveil on May 5.  Both Salle and our honoree made it out to West Village last night and even playfully posed with a custom crystallized Moët et Chandon bottle that celebrated their superior wrangling skills and many sleepless hours. Phillips’ better half Josephine Meckseper (who’s a big hit at The Whitey Biennial this time around) was of course there to support her favorite man.

In fact, it was a big night for golden artist couples like Rachel Feinstein and John Currin and Lisa Yuskavage and Matvey Levinstein all came by to toast good friend Phillips with pink champagne, lobster bisque, pan seared sea bass and filet mignon. Others gallery certified guests at the tables of yet unopened eatery included Tom Sachs and Gagosian’s Sarah Hoover, Sean Landers,  Les Rogers, and frequent Art Box contributor Todd DiCiurcio who was accompanied by his lovely wife Megan. There was table hopping, appetizer sharing, and lots of mutual admiration.

Beyond the artists and the gallerinas, other ART RUBY supporters included actress Melissa George with director husband Claudio Dabed,  Jimmy Choo czarina Tamara Mellon, Waris Ahluwalia, Emma Hall, Casey Fremont, Lorenzo Martone, designers Claude Morais and Brian Wolk (of Ruffian), Prabal Gurung, and wild card dinner seatmate Oksana Baiul. Yes, the one that beat Nancy Kerrigan when you still owned a Walkman in 1994.  Artistically inclined surfer and model pair of Danny Fuller and Tori Praver fully enjoyed their dessert of Art Ruby velvet cupcakes and Phillips’ sweet toast to his buddies and our little site.  Until the next dinner and honoree, we hope you enjoy our favorite images from last night’s event.