Tools for Thought was conceived in the spirit of Marcel Duchamp and the readymade, on the idea that the things most ready-at-hand are the art world’s generosity and goodwill to provide aid and support to those in need. The Sotheby's event–which included a performance by Patti Smith and an auction of works by artists Nate Lowman, Kenny Scharf, Andrew Levitas, Aurel Schmidt, Joe Bradley, Todd DiCiurcio, and Marco Perego–supported the efforts of Partners in Health to rebuild Haiti.