David Kratz, President of the New York Academy of Art, with Honoree Neil Jenney – Photo by Nolan Conway
On Monday evening, the students of the New York Academy of Art threw open their studio doors at 111 Franklin Street, to welcome hordes of fashionable art lovers to the 29th annual Tribeca Ball.
Over 900 people attended and $570K was raised. It is easily one of spring’s most animated, eclectic, and joyful parties. Imagine an art opening, a cocktail party and a ball all rolled into one, and you’ve got TriBeCa Ball.
Theresia Zhang surrounded by her artwork – Photo by Marilyn Kirschner
The New York Academy of Art (NYAA) was founded by a group of artists including Andy Warhol in 1982. As it does every year since 1994, the Tribeca Ball, located at 111 Franklin Street, transforms into an expansive exhibition space across its studios. Every available space on its walls is utilized to hang artwork by the Academy’s rising generation of artistic talent.
“I was made aware of The New York Academy of Art through Andy Warhol when I was a teen. To be on the board as an adult is so very special.” Brooke Shields, Board of Trustees, New York Academy of Art
Brooke Shields, Board of Trustees, New York Academy of Art
This year’s art and artist event, sponsored by Van Cleef & Arpels, honored contemporary artist Neil Jenney, with proceeds benefiting the school’s scholarship and public programming fund. The 76 year old maverick of twentieth century American Art is recognized for his groundbreaking fusion of realism.
Honoree Neil Jenney with daughter Emma Jenney – Photo by Marilyn Kirschner
His outfit of choice for the event (a blue denim jacket, blue denim overalls, trainers) perfectly exemplified his bare bones, down home, honest to goodness aesthetic.
Brooke Shields and Joseph Altuzarra – Photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Past chairs and attendees have included Robert De Niro, Julianne Moore, Brooke Shields, and Naomi Watts. The actress, who faithfully attended the Tribeca Ball for more than a decade, is known for purchasing new art acquisitions from the event. She served as this year’s chair along with Helen King, President & CEO at Van Cleef & Arpels, Americas, Italian art dealer and gallerist Annina Nosei, gallerist Annie Plumb, and renowned art collectors Monica & Rick Segal.
Marc Bouwer and guest in the Van Cleef & Arpels photo booth – Photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Among the swarm of guests milling around the NYAA’s 5 floors were academy president David Kratz, Sharon Jacob, Brooke Shields (both sit on the board of trustees), Brooke’s daughter Grier Hammond Henchy, Dustin Yellin, Polina Proshkina, Alexander Hankin, Joseph Altuzarra, Victor dE Souza, Marc Bouwer, Eileen and Barbara Guggenheim, Nicole Miller, Helena Christensen, Zani Gugelmann, R. Couri Hay, and Bob Colacello who had a long and storied history with Warhol.
Models wearing jewelry by sponsor Van Cleef & Arpels – Photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Colacello met Andy Warhol in the 70’s. He was made editor of Interview within six months and, for the next 12 years, remained directly involved in all aspects of life and business at The Factory – Warhol’s studio as he developed the magazine into one of the best-known lifestyle magazines of the time.
Pedro Dall’Stella and his sculptures – Photo by Marilyn Kirschner
The evening began with a VIP Studio Preview from 6 – 7:30 followed by a seated dinner. As guests lined up to enter the event, they were greeted by elaborately costumed stilt walkers. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres were served, lively music was provided by jazz bands, there were models dripping in Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry, a contortionist was doing her thing, and photo booths were set up where guests could have their pictures taken in front of a variety of backgrounds.
Artist Jeanette Lee putting the finishing touches on her painting – Photo by Marilyn Kirschner
But let’s not forget that the focus of the evening is on art and the talented students who offered a first-hand look at their process, molding clay or applying final touches of paint to their works. This is an incredibly rare chance to have your work viewed by so many high profile artists, collectors, actors and taste-makers from all over NY.
Festively attired guest – Photo by Marilyn Kirschner
This is New York and the people watching is wonderful thanks to an eclectically dressed crowd. The dress code was, “Upscale downtown” which of course, can mean anything and everything. Some were decidedly dressed down (honoree Neil Jenney for example) and others were dressed up for the occasion. Most were somewhere in between.
Sharon Jacob – Photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Sharon Jacob looked like a million bucks in her white form fitting sequined sheath, but she offered it only set her back $39. It was purchased from The Fashion Foundation, thefashionfoundation.org, a 501c3 nonprofit that recycles fashion to help kids in need. There is almost nothing over $50 and most items are under $20. A few dressed specifically with art in mind.
I used this event as a perfect occasion to wear my beaded Alice & Olivia “Basquiat” skirt which is a wearable work of art.
Marilyn Kirschner with artist Marian Kvashilava who hand painted her dress
Meanwhile, this was a much better ending to the day (coincidentally, April Fool’s Day), than how it began, with a heavy paperweight falling on top of my right foot. Talk about foolish! Ouch. Fortunately, nothing was broken and I was able to attend the gala wearing thick platform sneakers underneath my skirt.
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I was so glad to see Andrea Riseborough pictured first in your article. I she immediately caught my eye as…
Marilyn and Laurel, for this Beautiful event, You both looked DIVINE!
I look at Julia Fox ans can envision her doing an ” installation ” in a faux chic art show.…