Art Basel . . . Responding to the changing art market

The Counterpoint Group would like to recognize the 8th annual Art Basel Miami Beach art fair, the country’s largest and most widely attended event of its kind.

With over 250 galleries from 33 countries hosted in the Miami Beach Convention Center, as well as in 14 other satellite galleries, collectors, dealers, artists, and enthusiasts certainly had a busy week. The fair is complemented by a jam-packed social calendar of VIP social events that cater to the jet-setters and aficionados attracted to the seasonally appealing Florida fair. Many argue that the social merits of the event undermine the artistic integrity of the renowned and rigorous Art Basel.

Encouragingly, the Miami Herald touted that at this year’s fair “substance had supplanted the superficial”. With the economy being what it is, many have scaled back “the scene” and a more concerted effort has now been made to focus on the works of art. As the fair begins to mature, it is also hoped that the Miami’s permanent cultural institutions will grow, too. The city has a distinctly young and vibrant feel that can at times be exciting but also runs the risk of being more sophomoric than sophisticated. Perhaps with time and support of existing arts, this can be achieved. Though the fair does not report official figures, sales are expected to be better than last year, potentially due to a more serious crowd of attendees.

Many were quick to point out the purchasing power and growing influence of Brazil as well as other South American countries on this year´s art fair. Indeed, one did not have to walk far to hear the orchestra of romance languages being spoken or the increased number of Latin works featured within the convention center. Though a disproportionate amount of this year’s visitors were comprised of Latin America’s upper-crusts, many were also local South Floridians who welcome the increased focus on Latin contemporary art.

As gateway to the Americas, Miami has always appealed to Latin Americans, many of whom travel regularly to South Florida and, with good reason, feel right at home. With some of the largest expatriated communities of Cubans, Colombians, Venezuelans and Brazilians north of the Panama Canal, Miami now cultivates strong economic and cultural ties not only to South America, but also to other Latin American communities within the United States.

To sample some of Miami’s local Latin flavor, attendees need not look far. Outside the formal venues, one might stumble upon the up-and-coming, must-have names of tomorrow. Hotel rooms, containers on the beach, and even street corners provide make-shift galleries for countless aspiring artists. Avoiding the simple and amateur works of art, it is always enjoyable to sample some of the trendily-tacky experiences that keep art lovers of all experiences and socio-economic levels coming back to Miami Beach during this week every year.

The Counterpoint Group would like to congratulate the organizers of the event. What Art Basel has shown this year is the ability to respond to the changing art market and by complementing Miami’s unique identity further establishes itself as a more serious and influential force within the art scene.

India and the United States

The Counterpoint Group would like to congratulate the White House on the first State dinner of the new administration.

Under the previous administration, India was recognized as a rising economic power, one whose global prominence as the world’s most populous democracy meant not only a natural ally in the region but also a strategic center of power. In 2005, Washington and New Delhi were successful in signing a landmark deal on civil nuclear cooperation. The current administration’s selection of India as the guest of the first official State dinner was thus certainly no coincidence. On the heels of President Obama’s recent tour of Asia, this honor “reflects the high esteem in which [he] and the American people hold [India’s] wise leadership”, as the President put it himself.

Following the President’s remarks, Prime Minister Singh was quick to respond that India would “seek to broaden and deepen our strategic partnership and to work with the United States to meet the challenges of a fast changing world”. Though Singh most certainly alluded to the lingering threat of terrorism, change could not be a more appropriate word to describe the political identity and rise of these two world leaders. Both have challenged the minority communities from which they come and have forever changed the perception of what it means to be a minority in their respective countries.

That America and India have both embraced inspirational citizens of diverse backgrounds should come as no shock. After all, as Prime Minister Singh stated, the countries are “two bold democracies of liberty, justice, [and] equality”. However, these have not always been easy ideals to uphold for either country. Since independence, India has been drawn into a series of bloody internal and external conflicts, most notably with the Islamist separatist movement in the north that resulted in the establishment of Pakistan and Bangladesh. Despite these lingering and costly tensions, India is today the third most populous Muslim nation on the planet and can certainly offer the United States significant insight into better understanding religious communities with civil and violent members.

India, much like the United States remains a pluralistic, multilingual, multiethnic society. Cooperation between these two great nations should come as no surprise in understanding how to balance cultural identities under one national umbrella. This theme of diversity and balance was echoed in the State dinner that followed negotiations and meetings throughout the day.

The First Lady was masterful in fusing distinctive African-American accents into both the menu and the entertainment for the State Dinner, which consisted of carefully selected blends of American and Indian culture. The White House Kitchen Garden provided herbs used in the dinner and is indicative of Mrs. Obama’s lead by example initiative to encourage healthier eating habits in American families.

The Counterpoint Group would like to congratulate the First Lady on a successful State Dinner and commend the President for continuing the previous administration’s focus on India.

Does Barry put on a good show or what?

The Counterpoint Group would like to congratulate Barry Tucker and the entire Tucker family for what is certain to be a concert to be remembered. On Sunday, November 22nd, the Richard Tucker Music Foundation put on its annual Richard Tucker Music Foundation Gala and it was a concert that even the most virgin of opera ears would have loved! The lineup of performers included Samuel Ramey, Maria Guleghina, Anna Netrebko, Susan Graham, and more. Also, Stephen Costello, the 2009 Tucker Award winner performed. His young tenor voice carried throughout Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center! One of the great stars of the evening though was Maestro Fabio Luisi. His control of the MET orchestra was exemplary. He kept showmanship to a minimum and instead allowed his baton to lead a world class orchestra to the “promised land” of music.

The 2+ hour performance as followed by dinner where the speakers included Sanforfd Fisher, the Chairman of the Richard Tucker Foundation, as well as President Barry Tucker, Trustee Edward Cardinal Egan, and award recipient Stephen Costello. Champagne and wine flowed and the food was out of this world!

Again, special congratulations to the entire Board of the Richard Tucker Foundation for a truly successful evening.

To learn more about the Richard Tucker Music Foundation, please click here.

CNN without Lou Dobbs?

Yes, as of Wednesday night, Lou Dobbs will no longer be employed by CNN.

On Wednesday’s show, Dobbs announced that he would be leaving CNN effective immediately. CNN’s president Jon Klein released him from his contract, which was not up until 2011. After 30 controversial years Lou Dobbs is now a “free agent”. Will he join Fox News and Shepard Smith during the 7:00 pm slot, a slot that had been traditionally his at CNN? Will he run for office which so many have been wondering? Will he simply stay on the radio only? Nobody knows yet, but one thing is sure, there is no doubt that other stations will be clamoring to see if they can recruit him.

According to Dobbs, he’s “Considering a number of options and directions”. He went on to say, ““Over the past six months, it’s become increasingly clear that strong winds of change have begun buffeting this country and affecting all of us. And some leaders in media, politics and business have been urging me to go beyond my role here at CNN and to engage in constructive problem-solving, as well as to contribute positively to a better understanding of the great issues of our day. And to continue to do so in the most honest and direct language possible.”

The Counterpoint Group wishes Dobbs the best of luck and hopes that CNN will fill the timeslot with someone who will continue to balance the network.

Our condolences

The Counterpoint Group would like to express its condolences to Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and her three sons, Scott, Brian and Jay in the passing of John J. O’Connor III.

The Supreme Court released the following statement:

John J. O’Connor, III, husband of retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, died today, November 11, in Phoenix, Arizona, of complications arising from Alzheimer’s disease. John O’Connor was born in San Francisco, California on January 10, 1930. He was the son of Dr. John J. O’Connor, II, and Sally Flynn O’Connor. He earned an A.B. from Stanford University in 1951 and earned a law degree from Stanford in 1953. It was at Stanford Law School that John O’Connor and Sandra Day O’Connor met. They were married on December 20, 1952 at the Day family home, the Lazy B Ranch, in southeast Arizona.

Upon graduation from law school, John O’Connor joined the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps and was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany from 1954-1956. In 1957, the couple returned to Phoenix, where he practiced law with the Fennemore, Craig, von Ammon, McClennen and Udall law firm until 1981. When Sandra Day O’Connor was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1981 and the family moved to Washington, D.C., John O’Connor continued to practice law with the firms Miller & Chevalier and with Bryan Cave. In both Phoenix and in Washington, Mr. O’Connor was active in community service and chaired several charitable, social and professional boards.

The Gridiron Club Opens its Doors

The Counterpoint Group would like to congratulate John Dickerson, the Chief Political Correspondent from the Slate for being the first online journalist admitted into the exclusive Gridiron Club. For those not in or from DC (like John is), it’s important to know what the Gridiron Club is. According to Wikipedia, The Gridiron Club was founded in 1885, and is the oldest and most prestigious journalistic organization in Washington, D.C. Its 65 active members represent major newspapers, news services, news magazines and broadcast networks. Membership is by invitation only and has traditionally been offered almost exclusively to Washington newspaper bureau chiefs. The Gridiron Dinner is almost as important as the group itself. Since 1885, only two presidents have not attended the dinner (Grover Cleveland and Barack Obama). President Bush actually attended six times during his eight years as president.

Needless to say, opening its doors to an online journalist is a big deal!

Prior to joining Slate, Dickerson worked for Time for 12 years, the last 4 of which he was the White House correspondent.

Congratulations to John Dickerson.

Charitable deductions . . .

The United States has always been known as the most charitable and philanthropic nation in the world. The federal government has created an environment that is conducive for businesses and individuals to be “rewarded” for their contributions.

When times are challenging people evaluate their charitable contributions more than ever, and now is one of those times. The independent Giving USA Foundation recently reported that the decline in total charitable giving in 2008 was the greatest drop the group has ever observed since it began tracking charitable donations in the U.S. in 1956. As charitable contributions are being decreased, the government needs to take proactive steps in supporting those that donate to charitable causes.

Currently there is talk about reducing the amount that someone can deduct when making a charitable contribution. On Thursday, Senator John Thune (R-SD) led 30 of his colleagues in sending a letter to all of the members of the US Senate urging them to oppose any amendments to the health care reform bill that would limit the existing tax deduction for charitable donations. This is not the first time this year that Senator Thune has spoken up for non-profits. Earlier this year, the Senate passed Senator Thune's amendment to a budget bill that would have preserved the charitable deduction in full, but it was removed from the final budget measure during conference negotiations with the House of Representatives. In a statement, Senator Thune said, "A reduction in charitable giving would have a particularly harmful impact on not-for-profit hospitals and other charity health care organizations.”

We should all stand with Senator Thune to ensure that while charitable contributions might fall due to the economy that they do not fall due to negative steps taken by Congress.

To view Senator Thune's letter, please click here.

A Boy’s Night Out

Last Thursday in DC, somewhere between 1,000 – 2,000 men joined together at the Hilton Washington for what has become known as the largest “boys night” out. While the smoked filled ball room was a place to see and be seen (those in attendance included Mayor Adrian Fenty, rocker Joan Jett, Sugar Ray Leonard, “Smokin” Joe Frazier, James “Buster” Douglas, Roy Jones, Kenny “Babyface” Edmunds, Jermaine Dupri, DC Council Chairman Vincent Gray, and others), nobody in the room forgot, even with all of the distractions, nobody forgot the purpose of the evening. Fight Night, which just celebrated its 20th anniversary this year and was founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Joseph Robert, was created “as way to help underprivileged children and youth gain access to high quality educational and health care services.” Fight Night (which has been sold out since 2002) has become one of the largest single night philanthropic events in the nation’s capital. Last year alone the event raised $2.8 million.

The charity that benefits greatest from Fight Night and organizes the event is Fight For Children. “With strong support from businesses and individuals in Washington, DC, Fight For Children is an independent not-for-profit organization that recognizes, promotes, and cultivates quality education for low-income children in Washington, DC. Fight For Children also addresses the critical link between good health and improved academic performance.”

There is no doubt that when a charity sets out to raise money through an event, the best way to make it sustainable is to make it an event that people will look forward to going to each and every year. Fight Night has accomplished this in spades, creating a fun, guys oriented atmosphere while at the same time raising significant sums of money for DC area charities. Whether it be the 16 oz. steaks, the boxing, the celebrities, the sheer fun of the evening, or the ladies, Fight Night is definitely an event geared for its audience!

If you haven’t been to Fight Night, we recommend you put it on your radar for next year. Please visit either Fight Night or Fight For Children to learn more.

Congratulations to Joseph Roberts on 20 years of Fight Nights’.

Mentoring . . .

President’s come and go, and sometimes their legacies are felt for decades while at other times they fade away. Often though, they are not the only resident’s of the White House who leave a legacy. People continue to talk about the legacy of Nancy Reagan, Hillary Clinton is still creating her legacy, Laura Bush’s legacy and outreach to children is still fresh in our minds, and in joining the First Ladies to come before her, Michelle Obama is about to create a legacy.

Today, First Lady Michelle Obama kicked off a leadership and mentoring program. The program will consist of 20 area high school girls who were picked by their principals, and they will learn life skills from a number of senior White House officials including, Social Secretary Desiree Rogers, Presidential Advisor Valerie Jarrett, and Second Lady Jill Biden.

In a speech at the White House, First Lady Michelle Obama said, "In every part of government, there are women who are hungry to help bring you guys up. I always wanted to be a bridge between kids like me and the possibilities that can propel them to greatness."

Back in January of 2006, then First Lady Laura Bush partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters and The Advertising Council to launch a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign designed to encourage adults to become a mentor. According to Laura Bush, "Mentors can help children develop the strong character to make wise and healthy decisions. And they can shape a world in which good values are encouraged and dangerous behavior is unacceptable. By sharing with others the experiences and rewards of mentoring, we can inspire others to dedicate their time and talent and energy to helping the children in our communities."

In the United States there are approximately 14 million young people, who spend every day without positive intervention and who are in jeopardy of not reaching a successful adulthood, according to a study by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Becoming a mentor is an important and easy way for an adult to make a difference in a child’s life.

Regardless of what the public might think of the policies of President’s George W. Bush or Barack Obama, there should be little doubt in anyone’s mind that being a mentor is a positive action, and we commend First Lady Michelle Obama and Laura Bush before her for realizing the importance of mentoring and the role they can play to be supportive.