Posted on November 27, 2023 by G. Worth On Thursday, November 16, 2023, ARTWALK NY returned for the first time in four years. It was a stunning night packed to the rafters with friends and supporters of the Coalition for the Homeless. This year’s event was held at Powerhouse Art, its industrial brick walls adorned with street art, graffiti, and murals – the perfect setting for ARTWALK 2023. Thanks to the generosity of our wonderful artists and guests, we raised over $500,000 to benefit the Coalition for the Homeless’ lifesaving programs. Every ARTWALK, we choose to celebrate the achievements of a groundbreaking artist. In 2023, we honored the incomparable Jenny Holzer, a long-time ally of the Coalition for the Homeless. Ms. Holzer, donated one of her works included in the Live Auction and shared words of wisdom, calling us to action. “People must not be lost, cold, hungry, sleepless, exhausted, despairing, shivering, hopeless, and abandoned without the means to provide and shelter themselves and those they love. So let’s get on it. It’s time to work.” Jenny Holzer Artist honoree Jenny Holzer The live auction also featured donations from Jeff Koons, Stanley Whitney, Ed Ruscha, and Kenny Scharf. After the Live Auction, the revelry continued! Guests were drawn into the Grand Hall with its vaulted high ceilings, featuring nearly 50 other donated works of art by Alex Katz, Guillermo García Cruz, Keith Haring, Russell Young, and Will Cotton, to name a few. Libations were provided by Tito’s, Brooklyn-based Other Half Brewing, an array of wine, and cocktails crafted by Via Carota as well as a delectable selection of food while they soaked up the atmosphere of the event. DJ Lina Bradford set the evening’s soundtrack and operatic genius Creatine Price entertained with arias and pop songs all while donning an eighteenth-century-inspired ball gown. ARTWALK NY 2023, Powerhouse Arts DJ Lina Artist Honoree Jenny Holzer with Coalition Executive Director, Dave Giffen Creatine Price Sarah Hoover, Sai De Silva, Casey Fremont Crowe The Artist Plate Project Aileen Agopian Janis Gardner Cecil, Polina Proshkina Sarah Arison Michelle Hellman, Sarah Stein-Sapir Madison De Paola, Mike De Paola, Devon De Paola jacob Marcus, Dave Harper Beyond the glamor, the cause was front of mind for all. Dave Giffen, Coalition for the Homeless Executive Director said it best. “We are being confronted with a whole new array of problems and challenges we never thought we would have to face.” But rather than dwelling on the challenges, Dave chose to share some positivity with a success story from our summer camp program, Camp Homeward Bound. Camp Homeward Bound is the oldest summer camp for homeless children in the United States and is now celebrating its 40th anniversary. When fabulous auctioneer and Coalition friend Aileen Agopian made an open call to support Camp Homeward Bound, hands flew in the air. We want to thank our generous donors for being so willing to give to this wonderful cause. Thanks also to our sponsors. First and foremost, to Max Mara, our presenting partner since 2016. We greatly appreciate the support of Artware Editions, General Art Company, and UOVO, as well as our Auction Partner, Artsy. A special thanks to our Art Advisory Board and Benefit Committee for making the evening so special, as well as our event producer, Fremont Blue Events, who kept things moving smoothly throughout the night. So, how about it? Just as Jenny Holzer asked us to, let’s get to work! Donations to support the 40th year of Camp Homeward Bound can be made here. DONATE TO CAMP HOMEWARD BOUND > If you cannot give your money, consider giving your time. Join us at our Rally to Defend New York’s Legal Right to Shelter on December 5, 2023. We are meeting at 11 A.M. in Bowling Green to rally and march.
