By Amanda Scuglia, MFA 2013
Photography by Maria Teicher, MFA 2013
In the weeks leading up to the ball, there was a lot of buzz going around the Academy. Party planners came in to discuss the look of the evening and the entertainment. The students cleaned up their studios and displayed their best work. The walls throughout the building were curated by the faculty.
The evening of the ball, students arrived dressed in cocktail attire. This was different from how we are used to seeing each other, with old clothes covered in paint. Franklin Street was blocked off and security was high. Masked models were dressed in bodysuits and exquisite Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry. Celebs and art collectors were met in the lobby by red carpet photographers. We mingled in and around our studios once the guests arrived.
Live music was performed on all 6 floors. All bars were fully stocked with top-shelf liquor and personal-size champagne bottles. Entertainment was occurring in each designated room. No matter which door you chose, something fun was happening. You could witness a performance piece or get your photograph with a Frida Kahlo or Rene Magritte painting. (photography at these artists booths, including the shot below of Jessica Augier and I, courtesy of www.bringintobeing.com)
Celebrities like Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber, Julianna Margulies, Solange Knowles, Kim Cattrall, Nora Zehetner and Carla Gugino walked through our studios. Artists like Will Cotton and Jeff Koons were also spotted. I was lucky enough to be greeted by some curious art supporters with questions about the content of my paintings. I got to explain to interested viewers the process of my work. I received some great feedback and I even sold a piece! It was such an exciting night for all of us.
After the cocktail hour we were rushed out of the building and onto the after-party at bar M-15 on Walker Street. The class of 2012 and 2013 had many drinks and many dances. Meanwhile, back at the Academy, Robert DeNiro was being honored at the Tribeca Ball dinner for his years of continued support of the arts. He was met by friends like Harvey Keitel and Mary-Kate Olsen, among others. See some selected photos, featuring some artist studio shots, from the night below. See full set of photos by Maria Teicher at on our flickr page here.
Adam LaMothe, MFA 2012
Nic Bandy, MFA 2013
Holly Sailors, MFA 2012
Kristy Gordon, MFA 2013
by Kaitlynn Stubbs, MFA 2012
Nicolas Sanchez, MFA 2013
Ramona Bradley, MFA 2012
Rob Plater, MFA 2013
Sherry Di Filippo, MFA 2012
Elana Baziz, MFA 2012
