Two hours. That’s how long one of the two stilt walkers flanking the entrance to the New York Academy of Arts estimated that they could stay elevated. An inquisitive crowd was lined up down the Leonard Street sidewalk, where performers dressed in rose gold dresses welcomed guests into the annual Tribeca Ball.
Two hours was also how long prompt guests could expect to be on their feet during the event’s festive VIP Studio Preview, which led into a seated gala dinner. In addition to the usual order of business — supporting the academy’s educational programs and getting to interact with current students and alumni — this year’s event paid tribute to longtime New York Academy of Arts president David Kratz, who recently retired after 15 years.
“It’s always great to be here for the fundraising part and for the art, but especially David,” said Helena Christensen. “He’s such an amazing artist as well, which I didn’t even know when I got to meet him at first,” she added. “I finally saw his art because he invited me [to his house] and I was looking at these beautiful pieces hanging on the wall — and they were his.”
Tribeca Ball guests included longtime supporters and friends of the academy, among them trustee Eileen Guggenheim, Brooke Shields, Carol Alt, Gina Gershon, Will Cotton, Eric Fischl and Joseph Altuzarra.
Gina Gershon
Nina Westervelt/WWD
“What I love about Tribeca Ball is getting to meander through students’ studios,” said Liev Schreiber, shortly after his arrival with his wife Taylor Neisen. “What I love about the school is that they teach classical forms, and they remind future artists that they’re part of a continuum,” he added. “That’s something that I value very much as an artist, as an actor. There’s something to be said for what came before.”
The actor, inspired by Andrew Scott’s performance in a new production of Anton Chekhov’s “Vanya,” is taking on 1889 play “Creditors” this spring. “There are ways in which these plays are incredibly contemporary. I always struggled with those plays because I thought, ‘What’s a modern audience gonna get from the 19th century?’” said Schreiber, who begins performances in May at the Minetta Lane Theatre. “The person who wrote our translation of ‘Creditors,’ Jen Sullivan, did an incredible job making it feel really prescient.”
While Schreiber has been looking to art history for creative inspiration, Canadian comedian Dave Foley, who was attending the event for the third time alongside artists friends Damian and Zoya Loeb, has found it in a more visceral location. “Terror. I think that’s one of the main inspirations I have,” Foley said. “I wake up every morning terrified, and try to calm down by bedtime.”
But on Tuesday, bedtime was several hours away, and cocktail hour was just getting started. Guests made their way around multiple floors of the academy, where students and alumni had their art on display and available for purchase. On the event’s top floor, Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry was on display and worn by several models, including one who was seated in front of a 3D tree backdrop as an artist sculpted a bust of their likeness. Another artist manned a nearby easel.
“I forgot,” announced one woman, holding her long skirt in hand as she carefully made her way up the steep staircase between each floor.
Downstairs, Kratz was doling out veteran advice: ”First you start at the top, work your way down.”
Kratz was busy navigating a new Tribeca Ball role as the evening’s honoree. “It feels amazing,” he said in between arriving guests. “I’ve always been the emcee. I’ve never been on this side of the fence.”
The longtime arts academy president officially stepped away from his position late last year, and has been making good use of the extra time. “I feel really happy to get into my own studio, which is originally why I came to this school as a student,” said Kratz, who had a few of his paintings exhibited nearby.
Although he may no longer be leading the academy, Kratz plans to continue his role as a Tribeca Ball regular in the years to come.
“I wouldn’t miss it,” he said.
