Since 1982, the New York Academy of Art has offered a graduate program for those seeking technical training, in addition to a progressive space for innovative, intellectual thinking and creating for the contemporary art field.
Last Monday at the organization’s historic location at 111 Franklin Street, over 900 guests gathered for the 22nd annual Tribeca Ball. Presented by Van Cleef & Arpels, and hosted to benefit the organization, the night raised over $860,000 in support of the Academy’s scholarships and public programming. Will Cotton, a faculty member of the Academy, was honored by President David Kratz for his unwavering support and efforts at the organization. At the dinner, the creation of the Will Cotton Scholarship was announced. Wearing Cotton-designed cupcake tiaras, Sotheby’s auctioneer Joe Dunning and Academy chairs Alain Bernard, Christina Di Donna, Brooke Shields, and Naomi Watts, collected donations—and the first $55,000 was raised in less than two minutes.
Eileen Guggenheim, Martha Stewart.Courtesy of New York Academy of Art.
Guests were invited to walk through six floors of over 100 open art studios, partake in interactive installations, enjoy musical performances, and more. With lead partner Van Cleef & Arpels’ new collection “L’Arche de Noé” (meaning “Noah’s Ark”) capturing the night’s spirit, guests wandered through a whimsical menagerie of animal-themed art exhibitions, with some of the Academy’s artists live sketching birds from a local animal refuge.
After an intimate dinner reception by world-renowned chef Daniel Boulud, an after party was held at Tutto il Giorno, hosted by Academy patron Gabby Karan de Felice.
Will Cotton, David Kratz.Courtesy of New York Academy of Art.
Naomi Watts.Courtesy of New York Academy of Art.
