“To be mindful of the recession but appeal to a younger mind-set is a directive the popular events designer André Wells is being given constantly these days. For this month’s thirtieth-anniversary gala for the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, the goal is to mix young artists with philanthropists as well as high-ranking administration officials. Another Wells project, last month’s The Young and the Guest List, a private party for under 40s, was set in a hip, empty warehouse rather than the St. Regis Hotel, where the event was held last year.”