BMW's 15 Minutes of Fame

OK, we'll admit that the Bavarian automaker has had at least 15 minutes of notoriety since its founding in 1916. None quite like this, however. Unveiled today in Grand Central Station's Vanderbilt Hall, the company's Art Cars exhibit shows off the painted bodies of vintage Beamers that were decorated by the hands of men including Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg and yes, even Mr. Fifteen Minutes himself, Andy Warhol. In the east wing of the hall, commuters can view "Expression of Joy"--a massive canvas ramp that was painted not with a brush but by the wheels of a Z4 roadster skidding through pools of primary-color paint. The Z4 is there, too, looking not the least bit embarrassed about the red paint that is splashed across its sides and wheels. (For video, check after the jump.) The creation of artist Robin Rhode, "Expression of Joy" is aptly named. Wouldn't you be joyous getting to ride through puddles of latex, leaving a multicolored tire tread trail in your wake? The exhibit will be on view through early April. For a teaser video, see below.

Parker Came. So Did Tori.

Parker Posey, Alan Cumming and Tori Burch were among the celebrities to attend tonight's Tribeca Ball, held in honor of the New York Academy of Art. The miserable weather (wet and icy snow) did not stop art-loving attendees from coming by to view five floors' worth of student paintings, illustration and sculpture (some of which were being worked on during the evening). Following their tour of the building, patrons decamped to the first floor for dinner and dancing. The Academy, which was founded as a drawing society by Andy Warhol and Tom Wolfe, among others, celebrates its silver anniversary this year. %%showphotos [setid=72157603905632847]%%