“Queen of the Downtown Scene,” Patti Astor, Releases Her Memoir FUN Gallery…The True Story

Sept. 17, 2012 - PRLog -- Manhattan Fashion Directory is proud to present Patti Astor’s first book, FUN Gallery…The True Story at an open event at Clic Gallery on October 6th at 5pm. FUN Gallery…The True Story is a memoir recounting her experiences as a ballerina turned young anti-Vietnam revolutionary who eventually went on to open what turned into the most famous art gallery in the world.

FUN Gallery...The True Story focuses on the wild and wooly “downtown” days in New York's legendary East Village. From punk rock at CBGB's in 1975 with local bands Talking Heads, Blondie, and Television to the independent film scene with Jon Jarmusch and Spike Lee to the early 80's art explosion, Patti Astor was at the center of the storm.  The title refers to her adventures at her tenement storefront art gallery with artists Keith Haring, Jean Michel Basquiat, Kenny Scharf, Fab 5 Freddy, and Julian Schnabel along with art world icons, Leo Castelli, Mary Boone, Tony Shafrazi and Andy Warhol.

Astor states, “I wanted everyone who walked through that door to feel, 'Yes I can make a difference here'…Both the “Oldsters” like LEE, who lived through it, and the "Youngsters,” like Shepard Fairey, who missed it have told me how much they wish they could go back and be in the FUN Gallery again. With this book I take you there.”

FUN Gallery…The True Story was edited by celebrity stylist, Angelique Max of Manhattan Fashion Directory. She describes Astor as a "true star who tells the uncut story about owning the most famous art gallery in the world. I found myself completely immersed in her book. She writes with high-energy, wit, charm and honesty. Her story is a lively behind-the-scenes slice of New York Art history."

The event will take place at Clic Gallery located at 255 Centre Street New York, NY 10013 at 5pm. Guests will have an opportunity to purchase FUN Gallery…The True Story and meet the author. Entry is by RSVP to rsvp@xpsdpr.com; complimentary cocktails will be served.

For more information on Patti Astor or Manhattan Fashion Directory, or to schedule an interview, contact Sara Shake of Exposed PR at 954.336.3275 or sara@xpsdpr.com.


Manhattan Fashion Directory is an innovative fashion directory services company delivering consultations-based solution as, as well as, print based directory resources and an online community based application. Their current issue Made In America lists American made designers through Manhattan with exclusive interviews, and directory resources. Founded by long-time editor Angelique Max, MFD is available through specialty retailers and online at www.mfdirectory.com.

Patti Astor is an American performer best known for her underground New York City films of 1970’s, the East Village arts scene of the 1980’s, and as a key influencer in the early hip hop movement throughout NYC. “Queen of the Downtown Scene,” Astor appeared in over a dozen independent films, among which are Amos Poe’s Unmade Beds, Eric Mitchell’s Underground U.S.A., and Charles Ahearn’s Wild Style. These films are in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Astor went on to open the first gallery in the East Village presenting then unknowns Keith Haring, Jean Michel Basquiat and Kenny Scharf.

“New York is the only place where a girl can graduate from the Scarlett O'Hara School of Business and build an art empire held together with Aqua-Net."-Patti Astor, New York Magazine 1983

“She has the openness, outrageous style and commitment to launch a whole scene.”
Jeffrey Deitch, People Magazine

She was recently Guest Curator for "Art In The Streets,” the wildly successful exhibition at MOCA in Los Angeles, recreating her beloved FUN Gallery for a new generation.