1. The Armory Show
This contemporary art show began 10 years ago at the 69th Regiment Armory, but outgrew that venue and will take place March 5 to 8 this year at Pier 94 and Pier 92. With 160 exhibitors from 21 countries, the 2008 show attracted more than 50,000 visitors.
2. International Contemporary Furniture Fair
More than 25,000 people attended this international furniture showcase in 2008. The fair, which spreads across 145,000 square feet of exhibit space at the Javits Center, will return May 16 to 19.
3. Cooper-Hewitt National Design Awards
This gala honoring the best in American design is the anchor event of Cooper-Hewitt’s National Design Week. Padma Lakshmi presented the People’s Design Award to Stuart Karten (for the Zn hearing aid) at the 2008 awards. The event returns to the museum’s Arthur Ross Terrace and Garden on October 22.
4. The Art Show
Seventy of the nation’s leading fine-art dealers will show their wares at the Seventh Regiment Armory from February 19 to 23, preceded by a lavish gala on February 18. The show, run by the Art Dealers Association of America, raises funds for social services group the Henry Street Settlement.
5. Diffa’s Dining by Design
Top interior and event designers show off their latest ideas at this fund-raising dinner thrown by the Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS. Held at Skylight for the first time in 2008, the dinner will return to New York for the 12th year this March, before traveling to seven other cities.
6. Dia Art Foundation Gala
This nonprofit art foundation’s fall event brings out many big names from the art and philanthropy worlds. The November 2008 gala evening featured cocktails at Upper Manhattan’s Hispanic Society of America, followed by dinner across the street at the Church of the Intercession.
