What: The gala preview of the Art Dealers Association of America’s annual Art Show, where VIPs can preview (and pre-purchase!) wares from the nation’s top galleries.
When: March 3, 2015.
Where: The Seventh Regiment Armory on Park Avenue.
Who: ADAA president Dorsey Waxter hosted artists Tracey Emin, Barry X Ball, Christo, Wade Guyton, and Haim Steinbach, collectors including Peter Brant, Kyle DeWoody, Arne Glimcher, Agnes Gund, Jane Holzer, Alberto Mugrabi, Jill and Peter Kraus, and Martin Margulies (alongside his daughter, Gallery Girls star Liz Margulies), and VIPs Sandy Rower, Noah Horowitz, Thelma Golden, and Marc Spiegler. Actress Rosanna Arquette, whose sister Patricia recently won an Oscar, was also in attendance (see Oscar Winner Patricia Arquette Thanks Artist Boyfriend Eric White, Thrills Feminists with Call for Wage Equality).
Why: The festive, if a bit sedate evening serves as the unofficial kickoff to Armory Week. New York socialites and big name art collectors go to see and be seen, while others have been known to show up for the legendary spread of hors d’oeuvres, a fact Jerry Saltz recently owned up to on his (also legendary) Facebook page.
The Moment: The city’s fanciest had to brave the elements for the occasion, but that didn’t stop the preview from reaching maximum capacity almost as soon as the doors opened. Those who managed to not get distracted by the camera flashes, the champagne, and literally rubbing elbows with members of the art world elite were treated to a display of some pretty great art.
Want more Armory Week coverage? See The Go-To Guide for Armory Week 2015 Art Fairs, Your Art Agenda: 12 Exclusive VIP Events Not To Miss During Armory Week, Spring/Break Art Fair Is Bigger, Flashier, and Scrappier Than Ever, and Independent Art Fair Offers a Stylish Chelsea Haven During Armory Week.