This time last week the ArtPlatform team was busy in a mist of girlie paraphernalia getting ready to mingle with New York's finest at the annual art charity event ArtRageous held for the last 11 years in aid of Edward Gould Services for Children and Families. Myself (founder) and Leeni Ojaniemi (creative director) were very lucky to be given tickets to attend ArtRageous by the CEO of Silversea, he knew it would be a good opportunity for Leeni and I to talk to people about ArtPlatform. Our sincere thanks to Silversea.
ArtRageous was a truly tremedous event, the venue of Cipriani in Wall Street set an incredible atmosphere and 
sense of occasion, the monolithic columns rising over 70ft to the Wedgewood dome ceiling couldn't of been a finer setting for the collection of contemporary art and non art auction lots.
ArtRageous not only attracts great artists to donate work for auction (such as Jeff Koons, April Gornik, Jasmina Alaoui, Justine Koons, Marc Dennis, Roberto Dutesco) it also involves artists in collaborative works with the charities foster children, truly connecting the art world and the lives of vulnerable children, forging friendships and understanding between diverse backgrounds.
So who did Leeni and I meet? Well amazingly we got time with Jeff Koons! I know we both were having a real pinch m
e moment. As Leeni is the art knowledge behind ArtPlatform we thought it was best that she posed for a photo with the man himself, please enjoy the snap (taken on one of our phones). Jeff was the consummate professional and ArtPlatform hopes we can attract him to work in some way with us.
We also got to meet one of the honourees of ArtRageous, the Brazilian artist Romero
Britto, he is such a generous artist with his work and his nature, he took time to meet the attendees over cocktail hour and gave every person a copy of his coffee table book, which is now in pride of place in my home.
As soon as the main course was over the Christie's auction team sprung into action to sell 15 live lots. With my hands firmly planted in my lap I watched in awe as the Richard Prince sold for $90,000, and the Jeff Koons Monkey Train print for $45,000. It was clear that true art collectors were in the room and feeling generous in support of the charity.
So the evening was a success for ArtRageous and for Leeni and I we got the opportunity to meet some wonderful people and dip ourselves in the art world a little more. Who knows maybe ArtPlatform will host it's own gala dinner as a way to put ArtPlatform on the map? Watch this space...
With special thanks to Nichole Rhodes for making our night so special.
Leeni and I hope to be back in New York again soon.