Point Suite Art Ball Gets Partying Started Early

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There's still a month until the ultra-swank Point Suite Art Ball takes over the Studio 450 Penthouse, but artist-organizer Annika Connor decided to get the ball rolling and the folks mingling with Tuesday's pre-party at Chelsea's newest hotspot, the Gates. More story and photos below... Guests enjoyed an hourlong open bar, a smattering of hors d'oeuvres, and each other's sparkling company.Wanna be the belle or beau of the art ball? Go here for the $150 tix -- though the price is steep, you do get an open champagne bar, appetizers from models, rooftop views of the Hudson River, and a luxury gift bag. If that's not enough: it's also entirely likely that you'll meet an artist who will fall madly in love with you and one day paint a life-size nude portrait of you.