A: Is For and Art Goes On!

Each month of the year in New York holds a certain air of excitement for the arts. February and September, Fashion Week, May into June, the theatre comes alive with a slew of new plays clambering for the coveted Tony Awards. Right now it is the art auctions held by Sotheby's, Christies and Philips De Pury. With the failing economy the air of excitement has turned anxiety and panic. While the fall season open to strong prices, this year added a high percentage of unsold works. Recession is real. Prices are off by 20 to 40 percent. Wednesday saw works from the Impressionist and modern period with strong examples by Russian artists. Hopefully that will garn interest. Sotheby's took in $223.8 million, which it called its fifth-highest Impressionist/modern sale ever. However, it fell short by over almost $200 million. Degas' "Dancer in Repose" sold for over $37 million, an all-time high for the artist, but below the $40 million estimate. Munch's "Vampire" set a new record for the Norwegian artist at $38.2 million. Malevich's "Suprematist Composition" fetched $60 million, the highest price at the auction Christie's kicks off its first auction of the season with paintings and sculptures by such masters as Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec, Manet and Cezanne. Its combined presale estimate is $130 million. It also was off a little under half. The estimates were set during the summer, when financial markets were still strong. This week both houses will offer works of postwar and contemporary art.


Looking for something to do for the Thanksgiving Holidays? Here's an idea a Sunday Matinee on November 30th at 3:00 p.m. Award-winning singer/actress Vickie Phillips, shares her life through the songs of Brel, Weill and Aznavour. Vickie who has travel extensively captures the charm, the intimacy, the tragedy and the magic of her travels and she takes you with her. Take this journey with her! She reveal the strength, spirit, scope and passion of a Jewish heritage that redefines her destiny and fufills many of her deepest personal dreams. COVER/MUSIC CHARGE $12.00 and a 2-Drink Minimum at Don't Tell Mama Cabaret Theater 343 West 46th St. NYC Between 8th & 9th Ave. (Restaurant Row)

A critically acclaimed all-female classical theater ensemble opened Shakespeare's Twelfth Night at Urban Stages (259 W 30th St.). This production is a updated mix of “lip-synched musical numbers” and movement sequences with “top-notch Shakespeare.” Refreshing, wickedly funny and deeply entertaining, this is one production you will never fall asleep in. These women are so convincing and turn the tables on the all male version of shows. When they use camp it is because they are making fun of themselves. I especially loved Aysan Celik as Malvolio. Twelfth Night runs through Nov. 23.Tickets are $18 and can be purchased online at www.SmartTix.com or by calling (212) 868-4444. For more info visit www.QueensCompany.org

Recession blues may be upon us but the arts will always go on and that is a F.A.C.T.