7pm: Dressed in "gallery black" we arrived to a packed venue, easily the hippest scene in town.  Celebrities, fashionistas, artists, and suits abound!  An eclectic crowd had gathered to celebrate the opening of ACE's new group exhibition featuring Martin Schoeller, Judy Fox, and Robert Graham.  Each  artist portrayed the human body, with emphasis on the female, through various mediums.  Schoeller's photographic collection of women body builders was the primary curatorial focus.  His intimate depictions  demonstrate his signature treatment of the subject- highly detailed to depict every pore, positioned facing the camera in a bust shot, and gazes directed straight into the lens.  These photographs were thought and conversation provoking.  We could sense the buzz around us as other guests reacted to the dynamic work. 

8pm: All guests were gathered into the main showroom and an enthusiastic gallery representative spoke to the audience from a raised podium in the center of the room.  In a grandiose manner he presented, one by one, five female body builders clad in scant bikinis of sequins and rhinestones.  Each body builder stood atop the platform and posed to the sounds of blaring techno music.  Hoots and hollers from the crowd, flashes from the ubiquitous i-phones, craned necks, and looks of amazement from all transformed the atmosphere from gallery opening to that of a concert or live wrestling match.  The audience let down its haughty guard as conversations were sparked amongst strangers.  We met several interesting characters, including a couple of the body builders. 

9:30 As the crowd at ACE thinned, we moved on to the swanky Side Bar at the Regent Beverly Wilshire for drinks and discussion.  We settled into the best booth in the entire bar and resumed talk, "Sex and the City" style.  Gina and I introduced our mission for The Social Luxe and we were thrilled by the encouragement of our gracious guests.

11:30 Stilettos in hand, we hail the valet and call it a night.  We are exhausted after a full evening of art, wine, people watching, and LOTS of great conversation.

The Social Luxe enjoys exclusive access to diverse artists throughout southern California and we will invite our members to unique venues that are not accessible to the public.  We will be in settings that inspire and encourage art appreciation without the intimidation factor.  Like wine and the wine industry, people want to know about it, but it isn't easily understood.

We are a social and professional network that coalesces around the fine arts. We will see, learn, and collect all while having FUN.  Additionally, one or more foundations will be chosen to receive our support in a show of our commitment to the art community.  We already have more exciting events in the works and hope you will be able to join us next time.
Warm regards,
Mary and Gina