Artexpo and DECOR Expo Time Mean Party Time in the Big Apple

Art Business News, May, 2001

NEW YORK--Attending the spring shows in the Big Apple isn't all business for the exhibitors and attendees of Artexpo New York and DECOR expo--New York. It is also a time for long-time friends and colleagues to get together and party.

For most people, the days didn't end with the close of the shows--every night was full. The McGaw Foundation threw yet another successful benefit gala, this year at the majestic Windows on the World restaurant in the World Trade Center. Masterpiece Publishing touted its artists with a posh reception at city landmark Tavern on the Green. Axelle Fine Arts and London Contemporary Art celebrated the three-day Axelle Expo with a lavish reception in the show's tony mid-town loft location. Miss USA and Run DMC joined artist Marco at Spa to unveil work he did for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. At Ohm, Donald Trump, gal-pal Melania Knauss and other celebs joined Media Arts artists Thomas Kinkade, Simon Bull and Howard Behrens to unveil their Olympic artwork and debut Kinkade's new children's charity. At Benihana, artists Clemens Briels and Susan Swartz debuted their Olympic art with the help of Olympic superstars Dominique Dawes and Jonny Mosely. Many other artists and publishers also threw Artexpo bashes at various Manhattan hot spots.

Still others, like Wild Apple, brought celebrations to their booths with on-site receptions.

All in all, the parties were a success. Liz Derringer of Derringer and Weitz Communications, the company that presented the parties at Ohm, Spa and Benihana, said, "All three of our parties were really spectacular. It's a very exciting time of year and people are excited to come to New York. It's a place known for its parties, and we like to throw them and create excitement for our clients and the people coming into New York."

And Nancy McGaw said the McGaw Foundation Gala and Auction was also a hit and raised around $50,000 for AIDS-related causes. "We were very pleased with the response to the charity benefit," she said. "I think everyone had a wonderful time, and we're thrilled."

1 Cheri Blum and John Chester unveiling new work at a Wild Apple reception at DECOR expo

2 Muscular Dystrophy Association artist Marco and Miss USA 2001 Kandace Krueger at Spa

3 Nancy McGaw models a coat purchased by Artexpo Group Director Rob Ingraham at the McGaw Foundation Charity Benefit at Windows on the World.

4 Masterpiece Publishing held a lavish reception at Tavern on the Green for artists and guests as part of Artexpo festivities. Pictured: Daniel Winn, Randy Slavin, artist Debra Sievers, artist Alexandre Darida, Lareen Reece, artist Marianne Van Der Veer and Kim Blackman

5 Artist Rocky Aoki, an authentic Japanese Geisha, Olympic artist Susan Swartz, Olympic gold medalists Dominique Dawes (gymnastics) and Jonny Moseley (skiing) and artist Clemens Briels at Benihana for the Olympic art unveiling

6 Donald Trump and girlfriend Melania Knauss with artist Thomas Kinkade and his wife Nanette at Ohm

7 Anthony Stancomb of London Contemporary Art and Bertrand Delacroix of Axelle Fine Art at the party celebrating Axelle Expo 2001.