Artful Levity with Audrey Smaltz

Nigel Freeman and Audrey Smaltz

In the highly coveted setting of the Swann Gallery on East 25th St, some of the most beautiful examples of African American Artists works of the 20th century are on view from the private collection of the Johnson Publishing Company, of Ebony Magazine fame. Filled to overflowing with friends and collectors, those storied art filled walls roared with laughter and delight as the ever vivacious, Audrey Smaltz, dazzled the audience with stories of her global exploits as seekers of high fashion and art along with Eunice Johnson, creator of the Ebony Fashion Fair.

In her inimitable way, Audrey described the arc of her life as a model/commentator turned entrepreneur, and wove in stories of the rarefied lifestyle she enjoyed as a collaborator of one of the greatest collection of haute couture and fine art ever assembled. The talk was as enlightening as it was gratifying, as we vicariously stepped into the world view of two of the greatest purveyors of alternative perspectives of African American life. Audrey maximized those years as a fashionista and later created her own milestone enterprise, The Ground Crew, employing many young people, new to the fashion world, during Fashion Week.

The gallery walls meant for artistic contemplation, reverberated with laughter as we learned of the many experiences Audrey enjoyed with her larger than life personality. Honored to be questioned by the Head of the African American Collections, Nigel Freeman, a fun banter started from the beginning. Smiling from the surrounding walls, the masterful works of Richard Mayhew, Ann Tanksley, Jacob Lawrence, Francis Sprout, Kenneth V. Young, Barbara Johnson Zuber, and Henry O'Tanner (coined HOT's by Audrey) among many others. As Audrey said, "one must have art and music in your home" for it to feel alive. I believe the many works came to life that night. Many friends were there to get an early look at the art and share the moment with Audrey. Incidentally she shared how she and Gail were collectors of my work, while on the podium, which was an honor for me.

The official auction for the Johnson Publishing Company artworks is Thursday, 2:00pm, January 30th, at 104 East 25th St, NYC.

Audrey Smaltz, Barbara Harris and Lu Sierra

Coco Mitchell and Lu Sierra

Glenn and Audrey Smaltz

Glenn and John Treadwell