Those art worlders in-the-know, whomever they may be, have been touting a new frontier. These economic times have paved the way for regenerating new interest, and new artists ... the big-time artists' chips are down, and the once-stuffy galas and galleries are forgoing their usual $900 plates and frivolous to-do’s in favor of cocktails and casual bids. The end result is at once despairing and opportunistic; as new players enter, many important and recognized artists are rendered anonymous by a fledgling crowd. Take last night’s ARTSEEN, an auction held at the Friedrich Petzel Gallery to benefit NYFA, featuring “affordable art” at bidding prices starting under $400, posh sips by Bubble Lounge and a mix of predominantly young bidders, many of whom were unable to identify iconic artist Andres Serrano even though they were really stoked about the Real Housewives of New York City, namely Alex McCord and Simon Van Kempen.

Last night, at an intimate reception for the affordable, precious stone-centered line Tana Jewelry at Soho's King of Greene Street Emporium (hosted by Annie Churchill, Erin Fetherston, Dabney Mercer, and Susan Shin), we chitchatted with Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen of Bravo's reality gem, The Real Housewives of New York City. The Brooklyn-based duo held forth on The Real Housewives of New Jersey, raising youngsters in the public eye, and the prospect of more reality TV. Forever and ever and ever.