by Camille Tibaldeo, Fountain Gallery Communications Manager
The Grand Hyatt New York was the scene of Fountain Gallery’s Sixth Annual “Celebration of Life” benefit on November 5, 2007. More than 500 friends and collectors gathered to view 150 original artworks displayed for sale by Gallery artists, and to honor Bruce Mosler, President and CEO, Cushman & Wakefield, and John McGinley, Vice President – Property Management, Grubb & Ellis, with the Esther Montanez Leadership Award. Special guest speakers were Speaker Christine Quinn, NYC Council, and Commissioner Kate Levin, Department of Cultural Affairs. A year in the planning, this season’s “Celebration of Life” exceeded expectations.
The ballroom was suffused with a golden glow, lending an aura of warmth and intimacy to the large space and showcasing the artists’ work to excellent advantage. Easels displaying the pieces were placed around the room, and as in years past, artists were on hand to discuss their work with guests. Longtime supporters and new friends alike were impressed by this elegant and varied “art show”, and the beautifully produced Exhibition Catalogue, containing images of the art pieces along with biographies and photographs of the artists, served as a guide for guests, who by evening’s end had purchased nearly 40 original artworks.
A variety of sumptuous food and drink was served; buffet tables were laden with delicacies, and waiters passed gourmet tidbits on trays. The Horticulture Unit provided an array of lush decorative arrangements, many featuring seasonal leaves and berries.
The spirit of our great friend Esther Montanez was very much with us at the benefit as we presented this year’s Esther Montanez Leadership Award, established in honor of her tireless advocacy for people with mental illness at Fountain House and Fountain Gallery until her death in 2006. Recipients Bruce Mosler and John McGinley, prominent members of the real estate community and active in philanthropic endeavors, were recognized for outstanding service to Fountain Gallery.
Benefit co-founders Dario Gristina, Chairman and CEO of Genergy, and Gerard V. Schumm, Executive Vice President of Capital Properties, served as co-chairs of the 2007 Benefit Committee, along with Peter L. DiCapua, Chief Operating Officer, Atco Properties & Management, Inc.; Fountain House board member Betsy Seidman; and Andrew Stenzler, co-founder and co-chairman, Kidville, LLC. Mr. DiCapua and Mr. Stenzler were recipients of the firstEsther Montanez Leadership Award in 2006.
NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn and Department of Cultural AffairsCommissioner Kate Levin addressed the attendees, as did member artist Keith Pavia. Keith spoke vividly and movingly of his experiences living with mental illness and described the positive developments in his life since he became a member of Fountain House and began working with Fountain Gallery.
The benefit exhibition was curated by artist and Fountain Gallery volunteer Dorothy Krakauer and Fountain Gallery artist Deborah Standard. As co-curator, Deborah did not submit work for sale at the benefit, but several of her watercolors appeared as the signature images on benefit invitations and tickets, the Exhibition Catalogue and other event materials. The three lucky winners of the Celebration of Life raffle each took home one of these original watercolors.
A successful event such as this does not happen without the efforts of many people. We thank the benefit co-chairs, committee and honorees for their steadfast leadership and encouragement; our “angels” in the New York real estate and related industries for their continuing support; and the volunteers and staff of Fountain Gallery and Fountain House for their dedication and hard work. We offer special thanks to the gifted artists of Fountain Gallery, whose talent provided the centerpiece for this magical evening.
The Celebration of Life exhibition artists are: Leonard Aschenbrand, Anthony Ballard, Maria Bronkema, Martin Cohen, Michelle Cohen, Carleton Cordier, Richard Courage, Kathryn Fazio, Bonnie Fisher, Nelia Gibbs, Jonathan Glass, John Golding, Justine Hall, Gary Brent Hilsen, Rita Iashaieva, Mercedes Kelly, Anna Kuchinsky, the late Dick Lubinsky, Leora Miller, the late Glenn Moosnick, Yoriko Morton, Vladimir Nikolski, Eloise Ockert, Keith Pavia, Ivy Riekstins, Susan Robinson, Lorenza Rood, Randee Savage, Barry Senft, Gail Shamchenko, Bradford Stringfield, and Derrick Williams.
Photos: Leslie Barbaro
