| EVENT REPORT 10.25.06 12:00 AM |
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| P.S. 1 Stages Arty High School Homecoming |
| To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the former-school-turned-cutting-edge-art-center hosted an unorthodox benefit that mixed burlesque performances and a marching band. |
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| P.S. 1 organized its 30th anniversary benefit around a homecoming theme (a nod to the center's 1976 prom-theme debut party), complete with a high school marching band, staged photo sessions, and artfully assembled carnation corsages. The evening-long celebration—the contemporary art center's first seated benefit—raised $450,000 for the its annual exhibition fund. P.S. 1 founder and director Alanna Heiss oversaw the event with the help of fashion designer Cynthia Rowley, a co-chair who created her own art for the high school-reminiscent gala, crafting capes for the Homecoming Queen and King crowned at the end of the evening. (Artists Lawrence Weiner and Marina Abramovic received the honors.) |
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PHOTO GALLERY |
 | | Mistress of ceremonies Ann Magnuson performed along with Casey Spooner. |
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 | | Attendees who purchased tables at the event were able to pose for on-site photo sessions with notable photographers like Todd Eberle and Jessica Craig-Martin (pictured). Cynthia Rowley created costumes for the surprise pictorials. |
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 | | Renny & Reed's dinner decor included pom-poms on the tables. |
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 | | To kick off the celebration, the Francis Lewis High School Marching Band and cheerleaders put on a lively performance in the courtyard. |
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 | | Ann Magnuson and Rufus Wainwright sang a duet. |
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 | | Artists Lawrence Weiner and Marina Abramovic (center) were crowned Homecoming King and Queen in a presentation with (from left to right) drag king Murray Hill, P.S. 1 director Alanna Heiss, musician Casey Spooner, and Ann Magnuson. |
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 | | Burlesque performer Dirty Martini was part of the evening's entertainment lineup. |
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 | | Punk Goth act the Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black were among the benefit's performers. |
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Once the 400 guests sat down for a dinner by Creative Edge Parties and 10 Cane rum cocktails, the entertainment ranged from avant garde spectacles to burlesque. Performers taking the stage included mistress of ceremonies Ann Magnuson (who curated the lineup), burlesque performer Dirty Martini, the punk Goth group Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black, and drag king Murray Hill. Adding to the evening's retrospective feel were slideshows on the building surfaces depicting New York nightlife in the 1970's and 80's.
Working behind the scenes to prepare for the event were David Weinstein, managing director of Art Radio WPS1.org, who coordinated performances; Tony Guerrero, director of exhibition design and installation, who handled logistics and set building; and the event consultants at Livet Reichard Company, as well as the special events department at P.S. 1’s parent organization, the Museum of Modern Art.
—Jessica Cassity
Posted 10.25.06
Photos: Courtesy of P.S. 1, Patrick McMullan and Chris Ford/Patrick McMullan Company
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