NEW YORK, May 15, 2010 – Studio Mao President and Founder Stephen Mao donated a limited edition Rolling Stones photograph of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards printed on a 20” x 24” archival silver gelatin base to the Free Arts NYC charity Annual Art Auction Benefit at Saatchi & Saatchi’s New York location.  Free Arts NYC joined forces with David Yurman and Vanity Fair to raise over $550,000 at this year's Annual Art Auction Benefit.

The evening was hosted by Mary Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen who were joined by the event’s co-chairs, Free Arts Board Members Amy Sacco and Mary Alice Stephenson, along with Sybil and Evan Yurman.  Attendees bid on over 90 unique works by Spencer Tunick, Yoko Ono and Alex Katz, with auctioneer Simon de Pury incited bidding wars on artworks by Dan Colen, Christopher Wool, and Massimo Vitali.

Others who came out to show their support included contributing artists Nigel Barker, Todd DiCiurcio and Steven Sebring along with Benefit Committee members Hilary Rhoda, Sean Avery, Yvonne Force-Villareal and Rachel Roy.

Stephen Mao said of Free Arts NYC, “I have supported this charity organization that has provided invaluable services to New York City’s next generation of artists, and I will continue to do so into the future.  It is imperative that we nurture an infrastructure that is funded by members of our community who value education and commitment to excellence in the arts.”

About Free Arts
Free Arts NYC is an organization that provides children and families with educational arts and mentoring programs to build self-confidence and personal growth. Free Arts NYC was founded 10 years ago by Executive Director Liz Hopfan and is modeled after the original Los Angeles-based Free Arts, which Liz volunteered for while living in California and working as a teacher.

Today Free Arts NYC is maintained by an annual operating budget of $1,400,000 and a staff of 11 full-time professionals.  Free Arts NYC programs are primarily supported through individual donations, monies raised via special events such as the Annual Art Auction Benefit, and grants provided by foundations and private philanthropic institutions. Public funds account for approximately 1% of the annual operating budget.

About Studio Mao
Studio Mao is an agency where innovation, creativity and branding represent the foundation of the company’s vision.  Established in 2006 Studio Mao is active in the financing, production and acquisition of projects from a variety of diverse sources.  The company’s open source mantra is “Leave no creative stone unturned”.

Source Studio Mao
http://www.StudioMao.com