NEW YORK – The Salmagundi Club, a historic arts institution at 47 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, will formally launch its Capital Campaign to raise funds for the renovation of its Main Gallery with an “Urban Renewal” Gala Event on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009. Taking place from 6:30-9:30 p.m., the gala will feature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a live jazz performance, and a silent auction that includes such items as autographed copies of beautiful artist books, oil painting instruction, the use of a Vermont vacation home, and even spa treatments.
During its seminal days at the beginning of the 20th century, one of the principal achievements of the Salmagundi Club’s founders and charter members was to provide a gallery as beautiful as the artwork it showcased – a tour de force with a spectacular glass skylight. After many years without major improvements, it is now time to restore this gallery to its former grandeur, as well as to bring it up to the standards of 21st-century lighting, artwork display, environmental controls, and energy efficiency.
A major step has been undertaken with the hiring of a renowned and respected architect, Lisa Easton, who has had experience with major institutions and historical projects such as this one.
The “Urban Renewal” Gala Event is the first of a series of fundraising events. Net proceeds from the Salmagundi’s American Masters Exhibition and Sale in the past two years launched the initial funding for this major renovation project. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization, the Salmagundi Club is also submitting grant applications to many potential funding sources. However, there is no doubt that additional contributions will be required to complete this project. The Salmagundi Club hopes to engage the public, its neighbors in Greenwich Village, friends and patrons from the arts community, the media and, of course, its membership, in this campaign for the renaissance of an important fine arts exhibition center in New York City.
The Salmagundi Club is dedicated primarily to the exhibition of fine art created by living American artists, providing exhibitions of paintings, sculpture and photography. An additional major part of Salmagundi’s mission is to nurture a friendly atmosphere conducive to learning about art with classes and demonstrations in drawing and painting, discussions and presentations about art materials and techniques, and lectures and workshops on being a professional artist. All exhibitions and most events are open to the public for free or a nominal charge.
Tickets must be purchased in advance to attend the gala. Single tickets start at $40. For make a reservation, call 212-255-7740 or e-mail info@salmagundi.org.
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