Manhattan socialites and art enthusiasts gathered at the downtown Marlborough Chelsea gallery to toast "neo-naturalist" Hunt Slonem's latest exhibition, "Recent Work." The Hawaiian-raised artist, sporting a celebratory, eye-catching red jacket in honor of the occasion, is known for his oils on canvas, which capture images of saints and nature, insects, and exotic birds (of which he owns more than 70).

On hand to celebrate the lift-off: Ann Rapp, Bill Kapfer, Jeff Slonim (Hunt's brother, although their last names are spelled differently), Serena Bass, Jon Demsey, Mary Kaye Daniels, Anne Slater, Lionel Larner, and John Cahill. Imagination takes flight!