25th Annual Art Show Gala Open, 3/6

The 25th Annual Art Show's dazzling Gala Preview - held last night at the Park Avenue Armory - sparkled brightly, befitting for the show's silver anniversary this year.

Nearly 2,000 individuals - among them philanthropists, business and civic leaders, celebrities and art lovers - filled the Armory for this "don't-miss" event on New York's cultural calendar. The Art Show, the longest continuously running art show in the country, is organized by the Art Dealers Association of America to benefit Henry Street Settlement's vital social service, arts and health care programs.

Honorary Chairs of last night's elegant event were Agnes Gund, Ronald and Jo Carole Lauder, and Lisa and David T. Schiff. Co-chairs were Beth O. Canavan, Aby Rosen and Samantha Boardman, and Byron and Anita Volz Wien.

"This year's Gala Preview was an especially memorable one," said David Garza, Executive Director of Henry Street. "As we celebrated the show's 25th anniversary, we were thrilled to welcome both new and longstanding supporters, including members of the Schiff family, descendants of philanthropist Jacob Schiff whose financial support created the Settlement in 1893."

The Art Show is open to the public March 6 to 10, from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the door of the Park Avenue Armory (643 Park Avenue).