sad news

Tara Subkoff Diagnosed with Brain Tumor

A sad e-mail began circulating late last week announcing that 36-year-old designer Tara Subkoff has been diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. If not operated on, the tumor will be fatal in about two years. Tara, who launched label Imitation of Christ, will probably have the operation in August and recovery could take up to a year. Tara won’t be able to work while she recovers, so her friends have banded together to organize an art benefit to help cover the remaining costs of the operation (eleven specialists are involved owing to the delicate nature of the tumor) and care needed afterward. They are looking for donations of artwork to be sold in a silent auction on Wednesday, July 15. The lot will include 200 pieces of Imitation of Christ couture from Tara’s personal collection. Alternatively, you can just donate cash. Our hearts and thoughts are with Tara and her loved ones in this difficult time. See the full e-mail with detailed information on how you can donate after the jump.

COCKTAILS - RACHEL CHANDLER AND PAUL SEVIGNY TO DJ

WHERE: DEITCH PROJECTS (GRAND ST)

WHEN: 5-10PM WEDNESDAY JULY 15TH

WHY: We are very sorry to say that our great friend Tara Subkoff has been diagnosed with a form of brain tumor known as an acoustic neuroma. While benign, it will be fatal to her in approximately two years if not operated on. Recuperation from the necessary operation may take as long as a year. During this time it will not be possible for her to work. We are writing in the hope that all of you can help.

The operation should take place in August if Tara is to avoid deterioration in her mobility and hearing, possible facial palsy and other symptoms. The tumor has exceeded three centimeters, which places extreme urgency on removal and rules out radiation and less invasive methods of treatment. There are eleven specialists involved, due to the extremely delicate area around the tumor. All proceeds from the benefit would go towards covering the remainder of the costs of the operation, and possibly to the care that will be needed afterwards.

Jeffery Deitch has kindly offered his Grand Street space for a benefit on July 15th. We want to put together a really terrific array of artworks for a silent auction. Tara is donating her collection of 200 pieces of Imitation of Christ couture, also to be in the auction.

We realize that this is very short notice and that you are all inundated with benefit requests. If you can possibly help by donating a small work, we would be incredibly grateful. If you are not able to donate a work at this time, monetary donations are also most welcome.

Checks can be made payable to: NYFA (New York Foundation for the Arts)

IF YOU ARE RECEIVING THIS EMAIL, WHETHER AN ARTIST OR A NON ARTIST, PLEASE CONSIDER IN AN INVITATION TO JOIN US AT THE EVENT, OR IF NOT ABLE TO COME, TO SEND A SMALL DONATION.

Dear Artists,

If you can help PLEASE LET US KNOW RIGHT AWAY IF YOU ARE ABLE TO DONATE, AS TIME IS VERY SHORT. We can then email you a donation form.

ART DROP OFF: Art Production Fund has generously offered the use of their offices - and interns for pick-ups - if necessary.

ADDRESS: APF, 299 WEST HOUSTON ST, GROUND FLOOR BTWN HUDSON AND GREENWICH STREETS, NY 10014

PHONE: 212-966-0193

EMAIL: staff@artproductionfund.org

MONDAY - THURSDAY 10-4 (PLEASE NOTE NO FRIDAY DROP OFF)

Artists please be aware that Art Production Fund cannot insure these artworks (yet will treat with care!) so ship/handle/storage is at own risk.

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK NEW YORK FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS, WHO ARE TO BE THE FISCAL SPONSORS FOR THE EVENT.

Thank you all so much for your support.

Yours sincerely,

Tara Subkoff Diagnosed with Brain Tumor