Muffy Potter Aston and hostess Margaret Russell

The AIDS Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA) hosted its annual New York City auction and cocktail at 123 Third Avenue, the East Village’s newest luxe high-rise. Unframed 2011: The Collector’s Preview, hosted by Margaret Russell, and guest curated by Vik Muniz, took place on the evening of Tuesday, May 24. Co-presented by Architectural Digest, 123 Third Avenue, and BNY Mellon Wealth Management, and sponsored by Svedka vodka, artnet, Chelsea Frames, and Duggal Visual Solutions— the unique event (now more than 20 years old) raises funds for AIDS research and education by auctioning premium multi-media works of art at below-market price points.

Limited edition pieces on display came from Carlos Betancourt, Coke O’Neal, Jim Campbell, John Gordon Gauld, John Waters, Louise Lawler, Lucas Blalock, Michael Wolf, Nan Goldin, Rachel Perry Welty, Sebastiaan Bremer, Stephen Dean, Jeff Koons, Donald Sultan, Herb Ritts, James Rosenquist, and other talented artists.

Ren Grady and Olivia Chantecaille

Art collectors and ACRIA supporters enjoyed drinks and the lovely penthouse views (as well as a bit of welcomed aeration), as they perused creations up for bid. Among them were: Olivia Chantecaille and her banker beau Ren Grady, Andrew Kilbourn, Lady Liliana Cavendish, Bonnie Young, Kitty Hawks, fordProject’s Tim Goossens and Rachel Vancelette, Lionel Geneste, the striking Marybeth DuPain, Giulio Capua, Robert Sepulveda, the studly Andrew Freesmeier, Emma Snowdon Jones, and Robert Verdi.

Lady Liliana Cavendish and Bonnie Young

As the sun set, the cream of the crop slipped into their cars towards the Whitney’s “Art Party: The Groundbreakers” at the posh Highline Stages, to celebrate the museum’s future downtown home.

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