The Armory Show, one of the largest and most respected contemporary art fairs in the world, hosted a private cocktail reception for 200 guests at the Rose Bar at the Gramercy Park Hotel Oct. 25.

The cause of celebration was the show’s 2012 commission of limited-edition work by artist Theaster Gates. The reception, which served to honor Gates and celebrate the Armory Show’s commission, benefited The Museum of Modern Art.

The Gramercy Park Hotel was a fitting venue for the event; it was the location of the inaugural Armory Show back in 1994, then known as the Gramercy International Art Fair, and remained the fair’s home for four years.

MoMA VIPs arrived early for the first peek at Gates’ limited-edition work “Civil Rights Throw Rugs” and, after an introduction from The Armory Show founder Paul Morris, were addressed by the artist himself.

Other notable reception guests included Desirée Rogers, Michael Cox Winmer, Aby Rosen, Douglas Maxwell, Lisa Anastos, Juanita Jordan, Leslie Bluhm, David Helfand and Angel Otero.

The Armory Show will take place in New York from March 8-11, 2012 on Piers 92 & 94 in Manhattan. The 2012 show is an opportune chance for art collectors and art appreciators alike to see the world’s most exciting new art and modern masterpieces from the most prestigious international galleries, all curated into one rare display.

There will be plenty of haute events during the show. It will kick off with an opening party and preview at MoMa. Art enthusiasts can look forward to the Open Forum program of discussions with major art world fixtures and special programing for Armory Show visitors throughout the week at leading cultural institutions in the city. In addition to the Theaster Gates commission, the 2012 Armory Show will also feature a redesigned space—remodeled by award-winning architectural firm Bade Stageberg Cox and expected to be more comfortable and luxurious.