In-between the music business and hospitality business periods in my career, I dabbled in art.
I landed at the Whitney Museum of American Art as it was building it’s capital campaign for the new site now open on the West Side of downtown NYC.
I started in the Development department on major-donor and board development spending hours prospecting on Lexus Nexus and The New York Times, writing letters for Leonard Lauder to mail out to our leads.
Quickly, I was promoted to the Executive offices and assisted the Board with all Board matters sitting in on Executive meetings with the President and head curators with the Board Presidents Joel Ehrenkranz and Leonard Lauder.
After a fabulous Biennial party in 2000 and a few private showings with Mr. Lauder and distinguished guests, I was offered to work on the capital campaign.
While the idea was tempting, I found myself seeking out new opportunities.
My coworker, Marilou Aquino is still at the Whitney and responsible for completing the campaign that funded the new space.
I like to think I helped a little.