The New York Academy of Art’s 2025 Tribeca Ball Honored One of Its Own

David Kratz, the longtime president of the New York Academy of Art (NYAA), was the honoree at this year’s Tribeca Ball, an annual extravaganza that opens up the acclaimed institution’s doors for a multi-floor cocktail party, gala dinner, and VIP access to all the artist studios within. Kratz, himself a painter, was feted by longstanding NYAA supporters Brooke Shields and Helena Christensen, as well as some of the contemporary art world’s most famous figures, including a speech from Eric Fischl. Complete with roving magicians, live figure drawing and sculpting, performers on stilts from House of Yes, musical interludes by Sterling Strings and Erica Mancini, and a glittering installation by Van Cleef & Arpels, the highlight was—once again—the artworks presented by the students. The spectacular annual affair raises funds for NYAA scholarships and for public programming. Guests included Liev Schreiber, ​​Joseph Altuzarra, Will Cotton, Dustin Yellin, Dave Foley, Gina Gershon, Eileen Guggenheim, Taylor Neisen, Carol Alt, Polina Proshkina, and more.