Attending the American Federation of Arts Spring Luncheon
My work schedule is always filled with business meetings, events, and speaking engagements.
Earlier this week, I was invited to the American Federation of Arts, AFA, Spring luncheon to interview my friend, interior designer Stephen Sills, and to discuss the importance of art and design. The luncheon was held at New York City’s Metropolitan Club — more than 200-guests were in attendance. Each year, this fundraising event brings together passionate collectors and scholars, prominent museum directors, and distinguished business professionals to support the AFA’s mission to enrich the public’s experience and understanding of the visual arts. All proceeds benefit the many exhibitions and programs hosted by the AFA throughout the year.
Here are some photos - enjoy.
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- Here I am with my friend, interior designer Stephen Sills. Stephen is included in Elle Decor’s A List of the Top 25 Designers, He is a member of the Architectural Digest’s AD100 and is one of their “30 Deans of American Design.” He’s also been on my television and radio shows.
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- After several days of clouds and rain, this day was perfect for a spring luncheon – blue skies and temperatures in the high 60s.
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- The event was held at the Metropolitan Club – a private social club founded in 1891. (Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/PMC)
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- Here, Stephen and I are joined by Luncheon Chair Merrill Mahan, AFA Director and CEO Pauline Willis, and Luncheon Chair Jennifer New. (Photo by Sylvain Gaboury/PMC)
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- The AFA is a nonprofit organization that creates art exhibitions for presentation in museums around the world. It also publishes exhibition catalogues, and develops education programs.
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- Refreshments were served in the Presidents Foyer, a generous reception room featuring portraits of current and former Metropolitan Club Presidents. (Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/PMC/PMC)
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- Guests included art collectors, philanthropists, museum directors and curators, design and business professionals and members of the press. (Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/PMC/PMC)
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- Lunch was served in the Presidents Ballroom – a majestic space with tree-lined views of Central Park, Renaissance style ceiling murals and two Baccarat crystal chandeliers.
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- Here’s a photo of Sandra Warshawsky, Director of New York Philharmonic, and Deputy Chairman at Christie’s Auction House, AFA trustee and longtime AFA supporter, Capera Ryan. (Photo by Sylvain Gaboury/PMC/PMC)
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- Every table was filled – it was wonderful to see so many supporters for the work that the AFA does. (Photo by Sylvain Gaboury/PMC)
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- The tables were decorated with beautiful spring colors and crisp, white linens. (Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/PMC)
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- Here is my place setting and the delicious first course spring salad with butter lettuce, watermelon radish, shaved fennel, yellow teardrop tomatoes, brie crostini and a pink grapefruit vinaigrette.
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- The tables were done by Matthew Robbins Design. The sweets are from Nunu Chocolates and Vienna Cookie Co. (Photo by Sylvain Gaboury/PMC)
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- Among my favorite flowers is the peony – these pink and white blooms are beautiful. My peony garden at the farm is also bursting with colorful peony flowers! I will share those photos with you very soon. (Photo by Sylvain Gaboury/PMC)
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- My conversation with Stephen was relaxing, informative, and inspirational. We talked about art, and how he designs for and around special pieces. (Photo by Sylvain Gaboury/PMC)
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- Here is one Stephen discussed – designed around a beautiful Picasso. Stephen says he approaches every design project “like painting a picture”.
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- This room features a piece by the late Cy Twombly called “Blue Ridge Mountains Transfixed by a Roman Piazza”, 1962. This work was done with oil paint, wax crayon, and lead pencil on canvas.
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- And here’s a room designed around a piece by the late influential and innovative artist, Roy Lichtenstein.
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- And this space was designed around the work of artist Jeff Koons. Here, Jeff combines one of his sculptures with a bright blue ball on its shoulder.
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- We also talked about Stephen’s love for his work, what inspires him and what he considers his favorite projects so far – he says he has so many. It was a fun talk and a delicious lunch. See more photos on my Instagram page @MarthaStewart48. (Photo by Sylvain Gaboury/PMC/PMC)
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