PHOTO BY BRIENNE WALSH

Oh the heights we reach at 7 World Trade Center, the airy lofted space way about Greenwich Avenue in Downtown New York that is so frequently the site of various museum benefits. "We're not going to talk about politics... we're not going to talk about critics," said Saul Dennison, President of the New Museum's Board of Trustees, in his welcome to the museum's annual spring gala. Of course, He was referring to the controversial exhibition of works from the collection of Dakis Joannou, to scattered laughter. "Although those things do bring people into the museum."

And what brings people to the benefit dinner? Pride of place, of course, but also support for the event's honorees, artist Mary Heilmann and philanthropist Maja Hoffman. Heilmann was introduced by Jack Pierson for having an impressive "autobiography" that wasn't "just going to art school," as he had. She responded in her speech recalling the building she and artists split on the Bowery for a grand total  $500 each month, or the third of a price of a seat at the dinner. Hoffman had also let her hair down in the past, as when she "fell in with gypsies," as was claimed by her introducer, longtime friend poet John Giorno.

Another draw was the Vik Muniz benefit portrait, live auctioned at about its market value of $160,000. "[New Museum Director] Lisa Phillips lied to you," Sotheby's auctioneer Bill Ruprecht jeered, "we haven't raised a million dollars—until you count this bid."

At 10 o'clock the room transitioned succinctly from dinner to after-party (co-sponsored by Melissa Plastic Dreams and Prairie Vodka), and the art world heavies more or less moved out. Both, in various ways, were Brazilian themed, in honor of the museum's next exhibition, devoted to Brazilian artist Rivane Neuenschwander. The dress code was "anything but black," which prior to the event worried Giorno, in particular. He showed up in a black suit, black shirt included.

Vanessa da Mata, the Latin Grammy Award-winning singer, saw no such conflict in the premise that the art dinner attendees not wear black. She floated onstage in a pink and orange gown. No less arresting, Maluca, came onstage in a long, sequined dress and sunglasses. She turned up later in street clothes,  a red mini-dress and black knee-highs. Joined by two dancers in baggy red shorts and white T-shirts, she stomping about the dance floor and dominating the microphone. "You're so cool," she shouted at the crowd. Everyone's nicer in Brazil.