Mission:

Free Arts NYC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the healing powers of the arts into the lives of abused and at-risk children and families. Through painting, dance, drama, writing, music, sculpture, photography and other outlets of creativity, Free Arts volunteers help children and families express emotions, gain self-confidence and develop positive methods of communication.

Portraits & Polaroids 2007 Auction:

Actresses Scarlett Johansson and Liv Tyler will serve as event hosts, joining Free Arts NYC Board Members and event co-chairs Amy Sacco and Mary Alice Stephenson. This year’s auctioneer is Phillips de Pury Chairman Simon de Pury, also a Free Arts board member. For the fifth consecutive year, this live auction will present unique, large-scale 20-inch x 24-inch Polaroid prints, created specifically for Free Arts by leading contemporary artists.

Phillips de Pury specialists will mount the exhibition, a Milk Gallery Project sponsored by Christian Dior and Vanity Fair Magazine.  LiveAuctioneers.com will provide live online bidding.  Participating artists include Adam Fuss, Alex Katz, Barbara Kruger, Catherine Opie, Chris Burden, Christopher Wool, Chuck Close, Jeremy Blake, Tom Friedman, among others.

Free Arts NYC's Annual Art Auction Benefit is a high-profile evening and exclusive benefit party welcoming guests from the art, fashion, business and entertainment communities. The auction raises over 40% of the organization’s annual operating budget and directly impacts our effectiveness in reaching abused and at-risk children and families.

Each year Free Arts NYC approaches top contemporary artists to create rare, unique images using the Polaroid 20x24 camera. These images are created exclusively for Free Arts and the Event’s live  auction. Sales have ranged from $1,000 to $68,000. Additionally, a large silent auction features a wide-range of images from both established and emerging photographers as well as luxury items and experiences.