The 16th annual Coalition for the Homeless ARTWALK NY

On November 4, 2010, Empire Entertainment was thrilled to serve as producer of the Coalition for the Homeless’ 16th annual ARTWALK NY––New York's premier contemporary art auction event. More than 900 art collectors, art appreciators and celebrities came together in Skylight Studio for a night of festivities, including a live and silent auction.The core of ARTWALK was a silent and live auction featuring over 130 works of contemporary art donated by some of the world’s most celebrated artists. From Andy Warhol, Francesco Clemente, to Jeff Koons, Wade Guyton, Shepherd Fairey and Yoko Ono. All of the biggest names were represented and for sale for a good cause.The evening began with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails graciously provided by Nicholas Feuillatte, Stella Artois and Sud de France. Food was provided by several of New York’s best restaurants, including Bethel, Ed’s Lobster Bar, Indochine, Macao Trading Company, Michael’s and Osteria il Paiolo. For dessert, Lulu Cake Boutique provided cupcakes.

In the live auction room, co-chairs Alec Baldwin, Carey Lowell and Richard Gere took the stage to acknowledge the important work and various projects of the Coalition for the Homeless. James Rosenquist, the event's honoree, further underlined the importance of fighting for housing, job training and children’s services while he spoke about his memories of being a homeless New Yorker. When the live auction bidding began, Phillips du Pury auctioneer, Aileen Agogplan, auctioned off Rosenquist’s work as well as those by Andy Warhol, Francesco Clemente, Nan Goldin, Jenny Holzer and others.The rest of Skylight’s cavernous space served as a gallery for the silent auction. Throughout the night, guests bid on and purchased established artists like Shepard Fairey, Yoko Ono, Olaf Breuning, and Christo. The silent auction featured works ranging from paintings and photographs to sculptures and installation pieces.The event was sponsored by FENDI and featured an exclusive FENDI Lounge where guests relaxed on lounge furnishings and drank Nicholas Feuillatte champagne between bidding sessions.

Working closely with Coalition for the Homeless’ events team, Empire Entertainment served as overall producer of the event and was responsible for aspects ranging from event design, art solicitation, layout, production and logistics to décor, restaurant coordination and music. Empire also engaged and worked closely with Joyce Manalo and ArtForward who were responsible for overall coordination of the art solicitation, donations, delivery and handling of all of the pieces for both the live and silent auctions. Bettina Prentice Communications handled press and the development of the art advisory and benefit committees as well as working to secure the evening’s honoree and many of the donated artworks.ARTWALK NY raised over $800,000 for the Coalition for the Homeless and reached the highest attendance in the event’s 16 years. Empire Entertainment is honored to have worked in collaboration with the Coalition for the Homeless and its many supporters, to make this year’s ARTWALK NY event the most successful one yet.To learn more about the Coalition for the Homeless or to get involved and donate, visit http://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/