Fashion and art worlds gather on a barbecue at the pool + landmark Seagram building on Wednesday night The community’s annual museum party– To pay tribute to the late Tony Bechara.
Puerto Rican artist and long-time New Yorker passed away on April 23 this year (his 83rd birthday). Known for his vibrant geometric abstraction, Bechara became a prominent figure in the art world in the 1970s, and later became a passionate advocate for artists from Latin American and Caribbean. As chairman of El Museo from 2000 to 2015, he helped expand the museum beyond its initial focus on Puerto Rican art and advocated a broader perspective, ranging from the Caribbean to the Andes, throughout the diaspora as a Latino.
In the year that the growing challenge to the Latino community in the United States resonated that night. As the immigrant population is increasingly under political siege, respect for Latin culture and its important role in American tapestry is not only frustrating, but also urgent.
Senator Chuck Schumer opened the program through a speech to confirm his ongoing support for the Latino community. El Museo Board Chairman Karla Harwich and Executive Director Patrick Charpenel followed closely behind, setting the tone for the night. US Presidential inauguration poet Richard Blanco read at President Obama’s second inauguration that he promoted an exciting poem before Stanley T. Steers accepted the El Museo award on behalf of Bechara. Soprano Larisa Martínez ended the program with a high performance.
The elegant cross-section of fashion and cultural pioneers is drawn at night. Fashion Shanda Co-Chairman Karla Martinez de Salas of Mexico, gathers a range of stylish designers, models and editors, including Valentina Ferrer, Juana Burga, Lineisy Montero, Hiandra Martinez, Hiandra Martinez, Hiandra Martinez, Hiandra Martinez, Hiandra Martinez, Jonathan CohenStephanie Suberville of Heriolome, Henry Zankov of 10 magazines Vogue’s Owned by Laia Garcia-Furtado and Ignacio Murillo. Also present: photographer Alexi Lubomirski, newly appointed lead dancer Isaac Hernández (the first Mexican to take on the role) – political commentator Ana Navarro, activist and Democrat Henry R. Minos III.
