American Folk Art Museum
Harlem Event

On a cold and blustery Thursday evening in December downtown came uptown to what was a festive and memorable event that will be the talk of the town for years to come. The Harlem Ad Hoc Committee of The American Folk Art Museum (AFAM) hosted a lavish cocktail party at the home of the late Harlem socialites, Harold and Martha Dolly residents of the elite “doctors row” of Mount Morris Park Historic District. In true Dolly style, Cyril Harold Dolly graciously opened his exquisite turn of the century family home to new friends and old. The brownstone was the perfect venue for stimulating dialogue, supporting bridge building, and fostering new partnerships between the Museum and members of the Harlem community—although it was cold outside, it was very warm inside.

Approximately 150 people were present. Museum representatives in attendance included: Barry Briskin, Chairman and Laura Parsons, President. They were joined by Harlem’s beloved Richard Parsons, Chairman of Citigroup and the Apollo Theater Foundation, Dr Maria Ann Conelli, Executive Director and several members of the Museum’s Board of Trustees, patrons and staff. AFAM members were greeted by a reception host committee, Harlem’s community and business leaders, neighbors and friends. Harlem’s noted proprietors who contributed to the auspicious occasion included: Ristorante Settepani, Tonnie’s Minis, Katrina Parris Flowers, Harlem Brewery, N Boutique, and Gran Piatto D’oro, Of Note Magazine and Cafe St. Gemain.

The festive mood and the 19th century décor accented by the sounds of the Richard Fairfax band inspired dancing, talking and laughter as hors d’oeuvres and wine were served all night. Remarks led by the Mistress of Ceremonies, Karen Murray were made by both museum and community leaders. There was a feeling of exuberance in the air as a goal was successfully achieved. For Harlemites , it was a proud moment and recognition of our community’s heritage. For the Museum representatives, it was an opportunity to broaden its audience and to expose the Museum to Harlem’s rich history and artists. The homerun for the evening was a Silent Auction featuring works of art by Zaccheus Oloruntoba, Nigeria’s leading folk artist made available by Connections Fine Arts Gallery. Three pieces of art were generously donated by Connections Fine Arts proprietor, Lisa Downing and sold. All art proceeds for the evening went towards the Museum. “These were very precious and extraordinary pieces,” remarked Jan Willem van Bergen Henegouwen, Advisory Task Force Chair “The Museum is truly grateful”.

The Harlem Ad Hoc Committee for AFAM was established by Jan Willem van Bergen Henegouwen, the Chair and founder of AFAM’s Advisory Task Force which is comprised of 10 Ad Hoc Committees that support AFAM. It was Jan who conceptualized the idea of bringing the Museum to Harlem in February of this year. Laurent Delly, a civil engineer, entrepreneur and outgoing Vice President of the Mt. Morris Park Community Improvement Association (MMPCIA) and Baerbel Herms, Harlem’s landscape architect, were asked to serve on the Ad Hoc Harlem Committee and spearheaded what was a spectacular event.

This historic event signifies that despite these economic times that Harlem’s second renaissance is well underway and that the world is still watching. The gentrification in Harlem is not just bricks and mortar. The bricks and mortar both old and new, set the stage for learning, laughter and fun—all reminiscent of Harlem’s first renaissance. The event was a wonderful way to kick off the holidays.