The 2011 Arts Patron of the Year Award will be presented to Russell Simmons and Danny Simmons, co-Founders, Rush Philanthopic for the Arts.
USA Today named Russell Simmons one of the Top 25 Most influential People of the Past 25 years, calling him a, “hip-hop pioneer” for his groundbreaking vision that has influenced music, fashion, finance, television and film, as well as the face of modern philanthropy.
Danny Simmons is a poet, abstract artist, author and art collector. The consummate Brooklyn mover and shaker serves on the boards of the Brooklyn Museum of Art and Brooklyn Academy of Music, and is a member of the New York State Council on the Arts.
The Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, founded in 1995 by brothers the Simmons brothers Russell, Danny and Joseph “Rev. Run”, is dedicated to providing disadvantaged youth with access to the arts, and offering exhibition opportunities from underrepresented artists and artists of color. Over the past 15 years, the team has developed a broad base of friends, collaborators and supporters dedicated to supporting its mission. The Foundation serves 2,000 students annually. For more info on the foundation and their upcoming Art For Life Benefit in East Hampton, go to www.rushphilanthropic.org.
Meet Art Patron Awardees Russell Simmons and Danny Simmons on Saturday, July 9, from 5-6pm in the Collectors Lounge. Russell Simmons will sign copies of his new book, "Super Rich: A Guide to Having it All."