From left, Peter Drake, Eileen Guggenheim, David Kratz, Eric Fischel – all photos Marilyn Kirschner
The New York Academy of Art celebrated their 2025 Tribeca Ball on Tuesday, April 15, sponsored by Van Cleef & Arpels. Considered the ‘best art deal in town’, this is a rare backstage pass to meet artists in their studios and a unique opportunity to support the school that Andy Warhol founded.
The scene
The event is easily one of spring’s most animated, eclectic, and joyful parties—an art opening, a cocktail party, and a ball all rolled into one. For one night only, the New York Academy of Art, located at 111 Franklin Street, opened its doors to showcase the next generation of art stars.
“I don’t have any work-life balance because I always love coming to work. I found my people and my calling here.” – David Kratz, President, The New York Academy of Art.
Anuki-Bujiashvili
Every building room is used—it is over five stories with more than 100 artist studios. Offices are turned into model dressing rooms, the printshop becomes a performance space, and guests wind their way through the entire labyrinth.
Sara Nevius and her paintings
The evening was a vibrant mix of experiences, with three full bars, interactive installations, a variety of entertainment (including vibraphone and brass duos), stilt walkers, tarot card readings, contortionists, a Build-a-Bouquet booth, custom printmaking, an electronica lounge, and countless photo opportunities.
Wyeth
The evening focuses on art and the talented students who offer a first-hand look at their process, molding clay or applying the final touches of paint. This is a rare chance for their work to be viewed by many high-profile artists, collectors, actors, and tastemakers from all over New York in attendance.
Carla Shen
Among the guests were Eileen Guggenheim, PhD, Chair of the Academy of Art Board of Trustees; board members Sharon Jacob and artist Eric Fischel; Brooke Shields, Liev Schreiber, Annette Roque, Joseph Altuzarra; Helene Christensen; Carol Alt; Gina Gershon, Carla Shen; Polina Proshkina; Alexander Hankin; and Dustin Yellin.
From left, Peter Sternglass, Dustin Yellin, Polina Proshinka, Alexander Hankin
Yellin, a Brooklyn-based artist and well-respected fixture on the art scene, told me he always purchases something from this show to support new talent. This year, he is especially interested in the work of fellow Brooklyn-based artist Thomas Sternglass.
A guest surveying the art
This year’s event honored David Kratz, named President of the New York Academy of Art in December 2009. There, he oversaw the training of 100 students each year. Kratz, who announced his retirement in December, is a painter who lives and works in New York City. He works primarily in oils and focuses on figurative art.
David Kratz
Kratz is unique in the history of the school’s leadership in that he also graduated from the Academy in 2008. Eileen Guggenheim, Eric Fischl, and Peter Drake bestowed David’s award upon him during a resplendent sit-down dinner of artichoke tarte tatin, black cod, and dark chocolate cake held on the first floor of 111 Franklin Street.
Sharon, Cecilia, and Stella Jacob
I was Sharon Jacob’s guest, who was there with two of her daughters, Stella and Cecilia. Through her philanthropic work, Sharon personifies the idea that “to whom much is given, much is required.”
Auction
The dinner, which ended with a highly spirited auction that quickly raised over $75,000, was also a perfect opportunity to announce the launch of the David Kratz International Center.
The Center’s mission is to bring the Academy’s unique educational offerings and opportunities to aspiring artists worldwide and to develop an international network of like-minded institutions and artists. This initiative, named after David, is a testament to his dedication and contribution to the art community.
