#SEENinNYC: The Warhol Museum fundraiser
NEW YORK — The Warhol Museum took a road trip on Nov. 6 to the Big Apple for its largest fundraiser of the year at The Odeon. The Odeon, a favorite hangout of Andy Warhol’s, was buzzing with some of the most interesting and influential creative minds living today, such as pop artist KAWS (also known as Brian Donnelly) mingling with event co-chairs: Oscar-winning actor Jared Leto and performance artist Marina Abramovic. Mr. Leto will portray Warhol in an upcoming biopic about the Pittsburgh native, as well as produce the film. One doesn’t even realize the impact that someone like Warhol had, and still has until you are surrounded by his friends, colleagues and artists who were inspired by him. “His presence is unavoidable and unmistakable,” said Mr. Donnelly, whose piece alone went for $110,000 during the auction. Patrick Moore, director of The Warhol Museum, agreed. “He was a Pittsburgh success story and we come here as ambassadors of his work and life. It is important for us to keep that Pittsburgh connectionalive.”
And now a moment with ... event co-chair and director John Waters: What did you love about Andy Warhol’s work? “He did the best thing ever! He was the first one to put gay people and drugs together,” he said laughing. “But I still feel like his films are still not appreciated enough.” Why do you think Andy is such an icon? “Every single artist alive owes it to Andy. He lived ahead of all of us.” Why is art a necessity, not a luxury? “Art can attack, it can make fun of and embarrass and inspire. We need that.” Check out “A John Waters’ Christmas: Holier & Dirtier” Dec. 8 at the Carnegie Museum of Art. Visit warhol.org for tickets.
#SEEN: Ann McGuinn, Kathe and Jim Patrinos, Maureen Kerr, Joaquin Navarro, Charles Snyder and Amy Brourman with her daughter and artist Isabelle, Ellen Kessler, Judith and Steve Thomas, Michele Fabrizi, Corice Arman, Rosa Dergan, Alexa Wolman, Jeremy and Caroline Leventhal, Bill Aquavella, Vincent and Shelley Fremont, Jim and Karen Johnson, Stacy Van Praagh of Alexander McQueen and Christopher Makos.