We were delighted to once again provide art installation services to Housing Works in support of the 13th annual Groundbreaker Awards! The event raised an incredible $1 million for Housing Works’ healthcare, housing, and lifesaving programs which help thousands of New Yorkers facing HIV/AIDS and homelessness each year.
Honorees included Jennifer Foyle (President of American Eagle Outfitters), Christian Siriano (Fashion Designer), and Nari Ward (Artist) for being leaders in their fields and changemakers in support of Housing Works’ mission.
A Cause Worth Showing Up For
Housing Works is an organization we deeply respect. As an independent business, operating out of the East Village for over thirty years, we haven’t seen another organization that has done as much good in our community over the years. Since 1990, Housing Works has become a cornerstone of New York City. Supporting their work, in whatever way we can, is always an honor.
Art Wall as a Focal Point
The centerpiece of the Groundbreaker Awards gala was a stunning wall of art in the center of the Cipriani ballroom at 25 Broadway. 8 feet tall, 24 feet wide, and covered with 55 works of art available for silent auction.
Artists generously donated their work to help raise funds for the cause, and the variety was astonishing. Paintings, photographs, glass sculptures, ceramics, prints, even neon light art. With works from artists including George Condo, Derrick Adams, and Deborah Kass & Bernie Taupin.
A few pieces in particular seemed to stop people in their tracks. C.J. Chueca‘s ceramic sculpture, Seat 11b. At the same time., drew a constant crowd. George Condo contributed a large etching, The Table, rich with color and presence. Russell Young brought pop energy with his diamond dusted Marilyn Monroe screenprint, Marilyn Crying, and Rob Wynne added a touch of whimsy with Little Blue, a mirrored glass sculpture in deep blue. The variety alone made the wall worth standing in front of.
Ready to Install Your Collection?
ILevel has been installing art in homes and offices for over 30 years.
Get in touch for a personalized estimate.
Behind the Installation
Then we got to work. We started by taping out the full layout on the wall, giving us a clear map before a single nail went in. From there, we installed the largest, heaviest pieces first. This grounds the wall visually and lets the handlers work together at the start before spreading out.
Once those anchor pieces were in, the team split up and began working on all four sides of the wall simultaneously. With a deadline looming, parallel workflow makes all the difference.
When the last piece was installed, we stepped back to admire our handiwork. We walked the wall with the Housing Works team, made any final adjustments, cleaned up any debris, and cleared out. By the time guests arrived, there was no sign we had ever been there.
Our team arrived at 12:30pm with guests expected at 6pm. That’s a tight window for a wall of that scale and variety, so efficiency was on our minds from the moment we walked in. Housing Works provided us with a layout of how they envisioned the art organized, which was an excellent starting point. As is often the case, certain placements made more sense once we were actually in the room, and we were happy to offer our suggestions along the way.
Because this is a temporary installation, hardware choices require real judgement. Working with a variety of work on a unique wall provides a bit of a challenge, as truly no two pieces were the same. To add on, the wall might come down at the end of the night, but while it’s up everything needs to be completely secure. With hundreds of guests moving throughout the space, brushing past artwork, and leaning in for a closer look, nothing can afford to shift or fall. We select the appropriate hardware for each piece individually, accounting for the wall surface, the weight and fragility of the work, and how it will be displayed.
The Groundbreaker Awards Gala
We were lucky enough to attend the gala as well. Watching the room gather around that wall was something special. People admired the art, talked with artists who were there in person, and placed their bids, all in service of a cause that genuinely matters. The wall was exactly what it was meant to be: a centerpiece.
As an independent business in New York, community is never far from our minds. Nights like this one are a reminder of why. We know what it means to be part of a neighborhood, and we’ll always jump at the opportunity to contribute.
We’re already looking forward to coming back next year.
Hosting an event like this? Or just need to revamp your living room art?
Reach out to us today to schedule an installation.
Related Posts
Once More Unto the Wall: ILevel Installs Art for Housing Works 2025 Last year’s Groundbreaker Awards gala — another wall, another great cause, another night well spent.
Giving Back: ILevel Installs Art for LREI’s Annual Benefit Auction ILevel brings the same care and precision to benefit auctions as we do to any installation — because great art deserves to be seen at its best, whatever the occasion.
What Kinds of Art Can I Install? From oil paintings to neon sculpture, ILevel installs it all. A look at the full range of work we handle every day.