Dan Gross: Howard eyes big pieces of art

RYAN HOWARD AND fiancee Krystle Campbell toured the Bridgette Mayer Gallery (709 Walnut) Thursday night during a preview party for its newly expanded gallery space and its Karmic Abstraction exhibition which opens to the public tomorrow night.

The rehabbing Phillies slugger walked with crutches as he and Campbell toured along with Mayer and boyfriend Dennis Alter, former Advanta CEO, and looked at paintings from a dozen abstract artists including Charles Burwell, Ryan McGinness and Odili Donald Odita - whose painting Electric City, was one of those sold Thursday evening. Several of the artists, including Atlanta-based Radcliffe Bailey and his wife, "Young and the Restless" actress Victoria Rowell, were in town for the opening parties this weekend.

OUT AND ABOUT

* Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins and bassist Nate Mendel, formerly of Sunny Day Real Estate, stopped by McGillin's Ole Ale House (1310 Drury) the night before rocking the Wells Fargo Center. Hawkins joined a guy singing karaoke and also posed for a picture with a fan in a Foo Fighters shirt whom McGillin's manager Gaby Gock saw upstairs and brought downstairs to meet Hawkins and Mendel who sat near the front windows sipping Bud Lights.

* Bradley Cooper went for vegetable samosas from Delectables/Bhagga's Kitchen at the Chestnut Hill Farmers Market the other day. Cooper is said to have a beautiful blonde friend staying at the Chestnut Hill Hotel. The Germantown Academy graduate and "Hangover" star has toured the farmer's market twice and gone largely unrecognized, or at least undisturbed. Cooper, a former Daily News intern, is back in the area shooting "The Silver Linings Playbook."

Big bash honors Elmer

U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, state Sen. Vincent Hughes, Rev. Wilson Goode, and Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell were among those helping Daily News columnist Elmer Smith celebrate his retirement Friday night at the Sheraton City Center. Councilman Bill Green, Controller Alan Butkovitz, Fox 29's Sheinelle Jones and Sixers executive Sonny Hill also joined Smith, his wife Mary Ann, many Daily News and Inquirer staffers past and present and hundreds more friends, who honored Smith at the 1970s-themed party and benefit for the Brandywine Workshop for the visual arts. For info, Brandywine Workshop.com.

Simeone's racecars up for award

Good luck to neurosurgeon Dr. Frederick Simeone, off to London Wednesday for the International Historic Motoring Awards. His Simeone Foundation Museuem of classic race cars in Southwest Philadelphia is up for the Museum of the Year award at the international competition which features a panel of judges including Jay Leno and Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, who races vintage cars. Simeone began collecting cars in his youth and restores them himself. Info:SimeoneMuseum.org.

Hollywood shows Alex's love

"L.A. Loves Alex's Lemonade," a culinary event to benefit the Wynnewood-based childhood cancer charity, raised $400,000 the other weekend for the foundation. Neil Patrick Harris, with partner David Burtka, Jimmy Kimmel and Laura Dern all took part in the event. Alex's 3rd annual Lemon Run fundraiser took place yesterday in Fairmount Park.

Johnny Doc leading St. Paddy's parade

The St. Patrick's Day Observance Committee selected IBEW Local 98 business manager John J. Dougherty as the grand marshal of the 2012 St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 11. The theme, fittingly enough for the union leader, is "St. Patrick, Bless the American Worker."

From White House to Wharton

President Obama's personal assistant Reggie Love has left his White House post to pursue an executive master's degree from the Wharton School, Politico reports. Love is known as a "body man" and is usually within a few steps of the president.

Rick Williams in 'South Pacific'

"Action News" anchor Rick Williams is back with the Moorestown Theater Co. in "South Pacific," playing this weekend at the Upper Elementary School of Moorestown. For info, moorestowntheatercompany. org.