The L.A. Art Show is one of the country's most prestigious art exhibits. They present the finest artists, and only the best and highest quality work. Despite an unstable stock market, and a horrendous housing situation, record breaking sales occurred at their 13th Annual Show at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica.

Hugh Hefner and his Girls Next Door posing with Antoine Chevanne (Hotel Byblos)

Tens of thousands of pieces of fine art, much of it cutting edge were featured, and attracted a stellar group of celebs including Patricia Heaton, William Shatner, Billy Crystal, Kevin Bacon and Greg Lauren, who purchased a $12,000 piece by artist Maya Lin. Greg, who is the nephew of famed fashion designer, Ralph Lauren, is an actor and painter himself. The soap star (The Young & the Restless) is a successful artist whose nudes command up to $15,000, and have been purchased by such celebs as Renee Zellweger, Demi Moore and Cuba Gooding, Jr. His gorgeous wife, actress Elizabeth Berkley (Show Girls) would certainly be an inspiration. Berkley herself is one busy gal. She is the host of Bravo's new reality show, Step it Up & Dance, and appearing in multi-episodes on the CBS hit series, CSI Miami

Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell at Playboy Mansion

"Imagine a Cure" was the theme for the Odyssey Ball benefiting the John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John's Health Center. Philanthropist Carolyn Dirks received the Duke Award, which had previously been given to Kirk Douglas, Larry Hagman, Carroll O'Connor, Joyce Green and Merv Griffin to name a few. As Patrick Wayne, John Wayne's son, who along with his wife, Misha, chaired the event stated, "Carolyn is an extraordinary role model and dedicated supporter." Even Dame Elizabeth Taylor posed the question to Carolyn "What does it feel like to be among the angels?"

William Shatner & his wife, Elizabeth at L.A. Art Show

Actress Beth Broderick, best known for her role in Sabrina, Teenage Witch, was anything but witchy acting as auctioneer for an array of fabulous prizes. The most attractive one was the precious pooch she is seen posing with. Since its inception, 25 years ago, the Auxiliary has raised over $15 million. The Duke himself would be most proud.

Actor/Artist Greg Lauren and his wife, actress Elizabeth Berkley

On the rainiest night of the year in L A.,. Hotel Byblos welcomed celebs and VIP's to the Playboy Mansion to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the famed Saint-Tropez resort. Hugh Hefner and His Girls Next Door (Holly, Bridget and Kendra) posed prettily for the pack of paparazzi, and chatted with such luminaries as Matthew Modine (currently starring in the Showtime hit series, Weeds), Randy, Ryan and Simon from American Idol, and Dr. Gary Alter, famed plastic surgeon from Dr 90210 (who specializes in breast augmentation) who seemed to know many of the Bunnies quite well!

Patricia Arquette (Medium)at L.A. Art Show

Handsome hotelier Antoine Chevnne jetted in for the occasion, and said that after the U.S. festivities, Hotel Byblos will host hot soirees in Moscow London, Paris and Milan. The final closing party will be on May 21st in Cannes during the 2008 Film Festival. No doubt Hef and his posse will be guests at this legendary resort. The life of a Playboy is never dull!

Actress Beth Broderick (Sabrina, Teenage Witch) with puppy prize at Odyssey Ball