The Dream Team

I always admire people who remember where they came from. Take Farooq Kathwari: ArtsWestchester board member, 50th Anniversary Gala Chair, and chair and CEO of Ethan Allen Interiors. He never hesitates to acknowledge his roots. He came here from Kashmir in 1965 and while studying for an NYU degree, began importing native basketry from his homeland. Eventually, he formed a friendship and business partnership with Nat Ancel founder and president of Ethan Allen furniture, now a worldwide enterprise with 300 plus outlets in major global outposts.

Kathwari, now presiding over a design and lifestyle behemoth, is quick to credit Ancel for recognizing his potential and giving him the opportunity to excel. By coincidence…or maybe not…Kathwari is celebrating his 50-year career with the Ethan Allen company at the very same moment in which ArtsWestchester celebrates its 50th. Similarities abound. Both organizations are inspired by the tremendous diversity of our American heritage. I suppose you might call it “a dream team.” That’s why we say about our gala: it’s a party 50 years in the making.