15 x15
a special collection of fifteen works showcasing the gallery’s past-exhibited artists. The show “15×15″ celebrates the Rush Arts Gallery’s fifteen-year anniversary and their commitment of supporting new and emerging artists of color and others not yet recognized by the mainstream. The online site for contemporary artworks, Artspace.com, has taken on this collaboration in support of both theirs and Rush Arts’ commitment to new innovation.
2011 Gold Rush Awards, Celebrating our 15th Anniversary!
Rush Philanthropic’s 2011 Gold Rush Awards took place this year on October 19th, celebrating our 15th year Anniversary and specially honoring Sherry B. Bronfman. With a gallery and the amazing “House of Imagination” full of loyal Rush Philanthropic supporters, the evening celebrated the creative energy of all Rush Philanthropic artists over the years, while displaying Limited 15 x 15 Portfolios available on ArtSpace.com benefiting Rush Arts and Corridor Galleries.
The evening honored arts advocate and philanthropist Sherry B. Bronfman. honored for her lifelong dedication to supporting the careers of emerging artists. “Sherry has been here since the beginning, there is noone better to honor tonight, on Rush Philanthropic’s 15th anniversary, than Sherry B. Bronfman. In addition to being a big supporter of Rush Philanthropic and Rush Arts Gallery, Ms. Bronfman is a member of MOMA’s Friends of Education, and a longtime supporter of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
This year’s event also displayed Limited Edition 15 x 15 Portfolios by featured artists: Lennon Jno Baptiste | Sanford Biggers | Michael Paul Britto | Barron Claiborne | Renee Cox | Tahir Hemphill | Ayana V. Jackson | Simone Leigh | Kalup Linzy | Sol’Sax | Angelbert Metoyer | Wangechi Mutu | Navin June Norling | Kenya Robinson | Diane Wah.
In collaboration with ArtSpace all portfolios are available at ArtSpace.com/Rush, proceeds benefit Rush Arts and Corridor Galleries.
Founded in 1995 by brothers Russell, Danny and Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons, Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation is dedicated to providing inner-city youth with significant exposure and access to the arts, as well as providing exhibition opportunities to under-represented artists and artists of color.
Saturday was a busy day for fund-raisers in the Hamptons. In addition to the daylong designer garage sale Super Saturday and the Watermill Center’s annual summer shindig, music mogul Russell Simmons gathered supporters at his East Hampton estate for the 12th iteration of his foundation’s Art for Life benefit. Inspired by the traditional hues of Buddhist monk robes, the evening saw a color scheme of saffron yellow, magenta, and mango orange, as well as Asian entertainment and paper parasols painted with Asian-style designs by children in the Rush Kids programs—prompting the organizers to dub the event’s theme “The Zen of Giving.”
In addition to raising funds to support arts education and gallery programs for New York City youth, the event for the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation also honored singer-songwriter Mary J. Blige, actor Edward Norton, JPMorgan Chase Foundation president Kimberly B. Davis, nutritionist Oz Garcia, and Jimmy Choo founder and chief creative officer Tamara Mellon for their work and charity efforts. Overseeing the fund-raiser was the foundation’s executive director Tangie Murray and director of special events and strategic marketing Vanessa Rodriguez. CNN anchor Soledad O’Brien and The View’s Star Jones served as the hosts to an audience that included high-profile names like Gayle King, Taraji P. Henson, and Djimon Hounsou.
Aside from the decor elements by Sutka Productions and Asian-themed entertainers from Ten31 Productions, the event produced by Ronnie Davis Productions saw a couple of changes this year. With the summers becoming increasingly warm, the organizers decided to add air-conditioning to the 13,000-square-foot tent that served as the dinner space, an additional first-time expense they saw necessary to ensure the comfort of patrons. Another first was incorporating more performances, opening the program with violinist Miri Ben-Ari, bringing in mentalist Lior Suchard during dinner, and capping off the evening with a special performance by Jennifer Hudson.
To extend the auction to a much wider audience, the foundation did away with the event’s traditional live auction, placing the items online at charitybuzz.com, starting more than two weeks before the benefit on July 13; the auction will remain open until August 10. However, one live auction component was kept: the element that asked patrons to donate $1,000 to support a year’s worth of arts education programming for one child. Rush Kids auctioneer Star Jones helped push this segment, which raised more than $250,000.
Art for Life has raised more than $1.4 million to date, and those that didn’t make it to the event could text “Rush” to 50555 to make a $10 donation.
—Anna Sekula
By BEE-SHYUAN CHANG
RUSSELL SIMMONS sat cross-legged, yogi style, in his wood-shingled portico, watching as the first guests strutted for the cameras. He was a lone beacon of Zen, as some 700 partygoers swarmed his estate in East Hampton, N.Y., last Saturday for the annual Art of Life Benefit.
“Summer has been going by so quickly,” Mr. Simmons said. “But it’s been good — I’ve had a lot of time with the kids. We spent yesterday up in their new treehouse.”
Camouflaged by a circle of leafy trees, the lofty perch would have been the ideal vantage point to view the brouhaha below.
The benefit, now in its 12th year, has evolved from an intimate hoedown to a big-ticket soiree, with proceeds supporting arts programs for New York City students. Mr. Simmons was not the only one channeling inner peace. The theme was the Zen of giving, and the grounds included Asian-style ponds, a Ganesh with pearl necklaces and performers in Beijing opera costumes.
Not everyone minded the décor. “This is a sexy event,” said Dhani Jones, an N.F.L. free agent and a budding television personality, as he surveyed the never-ending parade of leggy models in minidresses. Mr. Jones had a more casual look: untucked short sleeve shirt with flip-flops, which he justified with the heat. “Everybody is all dressed up, they’re going to start sweating,” he said. “I’m chilling.”
Luckily, the always-chill host was prepared. A massive tent was erected on the lawn, with the air-conditioning cranked up to Defcon 1. That kept the night’s honorees — including Edward Norton, Mary J. Blige and Jimmy Choo’s Tamara Mellon — cool during the cocktail hour and silent auction, which featured donated artworks by heavy hitters like Ross Bleckner, Donald Baechler and Yoko Ono.
With famous faces milling about, guests in social purgatory ignored their table assignments, and hopped from table to table, trying to get closer to the celebrity action up front.
As dinner was served — summer squash and curried cauliflower, followed by short ribs and poached salmon — Kimora Lee Simmons, Mr. Simmons’s ex-wife, took her seat at Table 40, with her husband, Djimon Hounsou, and her brood of three. She was joined by Mr. Norton, who was seated between the actress Melissa George and his fiancée, Shauna Robertson, a film producer.
Mr. Norton wasn’t in the mood for banter, but perked up on the topic of Jennifer Hudson’s scheduled performance. “I’ve never seen her perform before — at least not live,” the actor said. “She’s amazing.”
She didn’t disappoint. As guests nibbled on crisp and pecan pie, a svelte Ms. Hudson took to the stage in an off-white Lela Rose frock with netted overlay and belted out a three-song set. Her closer, a stirring rendition of the “Dreamgirls” song “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” brought guests like Gayle King and Donna Karan to their feet.
Afterward, partygoers flooded the dance floor, set up just below the stage. Old-school R & B hits shook the tent and served as its own kind of caffeine. Ms. Simmons swayed in a tight leopard-print dress and sang along to Bobby Brown’s “Don’t Be Cruel.”
Even Mr. Simmons was drawn out of his monklike calm. Looking sharp in a beige suit, orange gingham button-down and pristine white Adidas sneakers, he hit the dance floor with Ms. George, and for a flashing moment, looked like a guru — the hip-hop sort.
NEW YORK, NY.- Shepard Fairey, one of today’s most influential street artists, is joining Russell Simmons, Danny Simmons and more than a dozen other acclaimed artists, to raise funds for RUSH Philanthropic through the 4th Annual Art for Life Online Auction at leading online charity auction site charitybuzz.com.
Fairey has donated a beautiful hand-painted multiple of Madala Ornament I. The piece is a 38” x 51” silkscreen and mixed media collage on paper. Fairey’s work is up for auction at charitybuzz.com through Wednesday, August 10th. The work is valued at $12,000 with bidding up to $11,453 as of August 5th
This year’s Art for Life Online Auction features Works on Paper from some of the art world’s most celebrated names: Donald Baechler, Sanford Biggers, Ross Bleckner, John Chamberlain, Chuck Close, Eric Fischl, April Gornik, Jenny Holzer, Brice Marden, Victor Matthews, Julie Mehretu, Toyin Odutola, Yoko Ono, David Salle, Danny Simmons, Peter Soriano, Peter Tunney, Kara Walker, Carrie Mae Weems, and Terry Winters. The auction also features exclusive auction lots from celebrities including Justin Timberlake, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tracy Morgan, and Anna Wintour. Bidding is open on all auction items through August 10th at www.charitybuzz.com/ArtforLife
Shepard Fairey emerged from skateboarding scene and became most notably known for his “Andre the Giant Has a Posse” sticker campaign and “OBEY” street art movement in the ‘90s. Since 1989, Fairey has consistently produced a wide range of artwork from screenprints, mix media stencil collage, to 15 foot mural installations. Fairey reached worldwide recognition after creating the iconic Obama Hope, Change, Progress posters used during the 2008 presidential election. His work is included in the collections at The Smithsonian, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
ART FOR LIFE is Rush Philanthropic’s primary annual fundraising effort that helps support thousands of underserved New York children. Proceeds from the annual gala and auction benefit the Foundation’s signature arts education and gallery programs, which directly serve 2,300 students each year.
Charitybuzz raises funds for nonprofits around the globe through incredible online auctions, giving its bidders exclusive opportunities to make a difference.
Please join Russell Simmons, Ruth Zukerman and Jay Galluzzo for
RIDE FOR RUSH
Sweat for a cause at Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation’s first ever indoor Cycling Fundraiser!
Flywheel Sag Harbor
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Cycling Class from 12 noon-1:00 pm
Instructor: Ruth Zukerman
1 Bay Street, Sag Harbor, NY
$250 for bike reservation. To sign up and reserve a bike or to support a participant, please click here www.kintera.org/autogen/home/default.asp?ievent=485583
Rush Philanthropic’s 12th Annual ART FOR LIFE East Hampton Benefit, “The Zen of Giving,” took place this year on Saturday, July 30th at Russell Simmons’ East Hampton Estate and raised a record-breaking $1.7 million to date! With ‘sun-kissed saffron serving as the décor color scheme, the evening celebrated the creative energy of New York City youth and honored exemplary individuals in the community for their career achievements and philanthropic works.
The evening honored recording artist Mary J. Blige, actor/filmmaker Edward Norton, OBE Founder & Chief Creative Officer Jimmy Choo Tamara Mellon, President of JPMorgan Chase Foundation Kimberly B. Davis and world renowned nutritionist and author Oz Garcia. CNN’s Star Jones acted as Rush Kids Auctioneer, raising over $250,000. The Art for Life 2011 Event Chairs included LaLa Anthony, Marc J. Leder, Esther Silver-Parker, Uma Thurman, Patricia Velasquez and honorary chairs Kimora Lee Simmons & Djimon Hounsou and Gwyneth Paltrow.
This year’s event was hosted by Soledad O’Brien and featured a special performance by Grammy award-winning artist Jennifer Hudson. She brought the house down with “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from the motion pictureDream Girls. We also featured the brilliant contemporary artist Kara Walker who created a signature piece of art for ART FOR LIFE East Hampton 2011.
Guests of the evening included; Russell Simmons, Kimora Lee Simmons & Djimon Hounsou, Rev Run & Justine Simmons, Vanessa & Angela Simmons, Danny Simmons, Jennifer Hudson, Edward Norton, Mary J. Blige, Soledad O’Brien, Star Jones, Dr. Mehmet & Lisa Oz, Tamara Mellon, Oz. Garcia, Jennifer Esposito, Lisa Rinna, Melissa George, Michelle Rodriguez, Gayle King, Donna Karan, Taraji P. Henson, Jessica White Angela Lindvall, Katie Ford, Ingrid Sischy, Andre Harrell, Brett Ratner, Flaviana Matata, Sandy Brant, Patricia Velasquez, Julie Henderson, LA Reid, and Dhani Jones.
Proceeds from the annual ART FOR LIFE East Hampton gala benefit the Foundation’s signature arts education and gallery programs, which directly serve 2,300 students each year. Founded in 1995 by brothers Russell, Danny and Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons, Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation is dedicated to providing inner-city youth with significant exposure and access to the arts, as well as providing exhibition opportunities to under-represented artists and artists of color.
Russell, Ming, Kimora, Kenzo, Aoki, and Djimon
Kimora and Mary J. Blige
Jessica White
Kevin Liles and Star Jones
The Target Lounge
Pamela K and Taraji Henson in front of Bombay Sapphire Bar
Host Soledad O’Brien
Mary speaking on receiving award
Edward Norton receiving award
Oz Garcia speaking on receiving award
Tamara Mellon receiving award
Kimberly Davis receiving award
Honorees join with Soledad, Tangie Murray (Executive Director), Danny Simmons and Russell
Miri Ben-Ari, Violinist
Lala Vasquez
Rev Run and Justine Simmons
Jennifer Hudson performing live
Dr. Oz, Wife, Gayle King and Russell
Jennifer Hudson and Danny Simmons
City Year helps wrap up the night with Target designed Gift Bags
Donors can give $10 to Rush Philanthropic by texting the short code “RUSH” to “50555” from their mobile phones. Charges will appear on their wireless bill, or be deducted from their prepaid balance.*
Privacy Policy: http://www.mgivefoundation.org/privacy.aspx.
Click here to make a reservation.
Since 1995 Rush Philanthropic has worked tirelessly in support of its mission to provide emerging artists with exposure and exhibition opportunities, and to provide underserved youth with invaluable arts education experiences. Today, our Rush Education Programs serve 2300 public school children. Our programs are designed to inspire students, provide positive alternatives to high-risk behaviors, and support increased academic performance. Rush is proud of its success to date and looks toward a future in which our programs grow to encompass more children and artists, and we can continue to enhance access to arts institutions and arts experiences for minority and economically disadvantaged populations. The Rush HeARTS Education luncheon will allow us to grow our programs making this bright future we envision a reality.
Rush HeARTS Education
A Valentine’s Day luncheon to benefit Rush’s Education Programs
Monday, February 14, 2011
12 – 2pm
The Plaza
Fifth Avenue at Central Park South
New York, NY 10019
Featuring
The Amazing Rush Kids
Hosted By
Soledad O’Brien
Event Chair
Brenda D. Neal
Senior Vice President, Investments, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Although we did not reach first place, we want to thank you all for supporting us in our quest for a $250K Pepsi Refresh Grant.
As a result of the contest, we have gained more recognition and support of our programs and endeavors to enrich the lives of young people through art.
Please continue to follow us on twitter @rush_art and on facebook at Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation | Facebook if you have not done so already !
On Wednesday, May 5, 2010, the Rush Gallery in the School at PS 165 celebrated the opening of their latest creative adventure, Journey Within.
As the centerpiece for the exhibit, young artists from the Rush Gallery at PS 165 created a mural that explores the natural world of a Japanese Garden with a specific focus on the Cherry Blossom. Rush Director of Education Meridith McNeal and Rush Teaching Artist Jana Kennedy worked with students to create a three-dimensional mural-sized paper collage using delicate handmade Japanese rice paper. The exhibit also features other examples of Far Eastern Culture including handmade meditation pillows, mandalas, and small scale Japanese ink drawings.
Participating students were proud to introduce their work to attendees. Rush Philanthropic Board Member Lucille Blair spoke about the Rush programming and the opening saying, “It is one thing to chat and hear about these programs in the board meetings and pitch the idea to prospective donors but when you are in the midst of it and feel the energy and pride of the children as they discover all these unexpected pieces of themselves and the world through the art you have shared and taught them – well, it leaves one in awe. The work was fabulous! And one wishes every child in inner city communities could be a part of it. Thank you. It was wonderful. The kids were completely marvelous. Bryan (the student/docent who gave Ms. Blair her tour) was a delight!”. 
The day before the big opening, as part of the “Make A Clean Difference” program sponsored by Proctor and Gamble’s Bounty brand, students from the Rush Gallery at PS 165 gave a preview tour of Journey Within to Rush Philanthropic’s Chairman and Co-Founder, Russell Simmons. The Make a Clean Difference program invited volunteers from Hands On Network to spruce up the school, adding a fresh coat of paint to the courtyard and making sure the windows and desks were squeaky-clean, while the students were busy working on their mural. PS 165 is one of 30 sites that will participate in the national Make a Clean Difference.
