photo: Douglas Tod

April 21, 2010: The highly anticipated LOVE event in New York at the Mutual of America Building, which was the sponsoring host for the event. Leave Out Violence (LOVE) was created in 1993 to reduce and help eliminate violence in the lives of youth and their communities by initiating a movement of youth spokespeople who communicate a message of non-violence. The real story began in 1972. For the story , go to http://leaveoutviolence-us.org

Patrons poured in eager to view all the amazing photography donated by the youth members, and the contributing professional photographers. William Wegman, Patrick Harbon (photographer for the iconic image of Springsteen) and May Pang (photographer who did the legendary John Lennon piece ) were among some of the amazing photographers who donated works for the LIVE bidding. The bidding got heated towards the end of the night with the live bidding far exceeding anyones expectations! Craig Treadway of CW11 morning news was the Master of Ceremonies. There was a special appearance by Willie Geist, one of the hosts of MSNBC Morning Joe, who also was the Auctioneer in the Live Auction.

The Auction is a great venue to be able to purchase some wonderful photographs and benefit New York Citys’ Troubled Youths. CSM ART & FRAME will be donating a percentage of framing sales on photos purchased at the auction back to LOVE. Stay tuned for more information on CSM ART & FRAME hosting a LOVE Photography Auction at their gallery space here in NJ.