Annie Bao Art - Artist Show

The team at Kristine King Events was thrilled to plan an artist show to showcase the stunning art creations of Annie Bao Art who is a Manhattan-based contemporary surrealist painter. The gallery show was held at Pushcart Coffee in New York City with Annie's closest family & friends. 

During the event guests mingled with the artist and enjoyed mini espresso's, delicious oat & apple cranberry scones, chocolate chip & gingerbread cookies as well as a variety of colorfully flavored macaroons. Guests were delighted to speak with the artist and learn more about her pieces and how to commission a painting. We loved the venue selection as it brought in regular customers of Pushcart Coffee and generated a lot of buzz and traction for the artist. At the conclusion of the event guests were able to take a piece of Annie Bao Art home with them as we had custom edible art cookies designed by the amazing team at CakesNShapes in NYC. We loved seeing Annie's actual art pieces on the cookies, which were individually wrapped in a clear bag and tied with a bright satin bow. 

David from David DuPuy Photography captured every detail of the event and was flawless as always. We've included some highlights of the day below! 

What a wonderful launch event! We wish Annie all the best!

About Annie Bao Art:

Annie's art work depicts a fascination with the complexity of the human condition and is a careful negotiation between real life and the fantastic. She aims to redefine chronicling contemporary life through pictorial satire and evocative whimsy. 
 
Annie learned the fundamentals of painting as a child from the China Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing where she earned a place to study Piano Performance at the Central Conservatory of Music. Annie went on to study Political Science and graduated from Columbia University with a Masters degree in International Affairs. She began pursuing painting seriously after graduate school and has since studied under Cornelia Foss and Robert Cenedella at the Art Students League of New York.
 
In 2012 Annie Bao Art was born and the business has since flourished, selling both commissioned portraits and non-commissioned paintings to private collectors and clients. 

Throwing a festive holiday party!

The holidays are here and we all look forward to the non stop holiday parties, dinners and celebrations! If you’re planning a ugly sweater party, a chic bash or a simple cocktail party we’re offering our top tips below on how to make this year’s party the most successful yet!

1. Event type - what kind of party do I want to host?

When deciding on throwing a party the big question is what kind of party should I through? Do I want to go all out and serve a full meal or host a simple cocktail party? Both ideas are wonderful but keeping in mind your budget will be key. Committing to a dinner party can be time consuming and pricey so if you’re looking to spend time with friends at a more budget friendly cost we suggest hosting a late-evening cocktail party with hors d’oeuvres and holiday themed cocktails. You can never go wrong with a nice red wine and bite size apps and desserts!

2. Plan ahead and set up in advance

We suggest setting up your home in advance of your guests arriving so the evening of the party you can spend getting all dolled up and putting on all the finishing touches. A few items that you can prep ahead of time are your table settings, furnishings and decor. Baked goods and certain appetizers like dips can also be prepared ahead of time. An hour or two before your party you can finish the remaining hors d’oeuvres and creating the signature cocktails. 

3. Serve delicious hors d'oeuvres - A few fun fav's below!

A few elegant and holiday inspired appetizers we love from Pinterest are sweet and savory baked brie, cranberry & pomegranate bruschetta and hot spinach & artichoke dip to name a few. We also love these apps from Southern Living: cranberry meatballs, pancetta crisps with goat cheese and pear and hot roast beef party sandwiches.

4. Set the holiday mood

When you think of the holidays you think warm and cozy so set the mood with a lit fireplace, candles displayed throughout and even indoor lanterns. Lighting your Christmas tree and dimming other lights around your home is also welcoming. 

5. Music - let's get the party started!

Start the night with peaceful, holiday music in addition to contemporary jazz. Mariah Carrey’s “All I want for Christmas is you” in addition to other holiday classics are must have’s for your party. If your guests are feeling toasty from the yummy cocktails later in the evening, feel free to turn up the tunes and dance away!

Have a great party and enjoy!