Two things stood out most that impressed me. The first was the spirit of the evening’s charity drive: 100% of the photographs’ auction proceeds will go to benefit The Gulf Restoration Network, a highly endorsed foundation that is overseeing recovery work in the Gulf of Mexico (and the surrounding area), following the disastrous BP spill. The donated photos could raise hundreds– if not thousands– of dollars for the Network.
The four-story residence was transformed quite successfully into a gallery for the night. From the artwork, to the chattering guests, to the selection of sponsor-donated wines and cheese, I can say I’ve been in galleries that achieved less with more.
What also left in impression with me was the sheer efficiency of the event. Working in concert with businesses like Duggal, Bombay Sapphire, Christie’s and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce; Nyari and Roth saw to it that for donating their artwork for auction, the photographers paid nothing. (Traditionally at a gallery, photographers must invest considerably up front to sell prints of their best work.) The entire night’s expenses were covered by their generous sponsors.
