This year the Guild Hall Academy dinner won't have the usual parade of notable honorees in visual, performing, and literary arts, introduced by more notables. The arts institution has instead opted to focus on philanthropy and honor Marty Cohen, its board chairman, and his wife, Michele Cohen, for their significant support of the organization.
Mr. Cohen has been the chairman of Guild Hall's board of trustees since 2013. He is now helping steer the institution through a renovation that will alter the building's spaces for education, better viewing of art and performances, and the ability to receive audiences in a more modern and welcoming setting.
Providing a bit more of the usual glamor, the event will recognize new members to the academy such as Barry Bergdoll, Renee Cox, Cornelius Eady, Bran Ferren, RoseLee Goldberg, Rashid Johnson, Erik Larson, Robert Longo, Julianne Moore, Questlove, Ugo Rondinone, Lucy Winton, and Frank Wimberley.
Eric Fischl, the academy's president, will have the hosting duties. A performance by New York Philharmonic musicians will break up the chatter.
Guild Hall often uses the dinner as a time to announce plans and programs for the South Fork's high season. The site will be closed this year for the renovations (details of which will likely be discussed), but partnerships with area arts organizations that will lead to programs this summer could be revealed.
Cipriani 42nd Street is the place and March 14 the date. Cocktails begin at 6 p.m., with dinner to follow at 7. Tickets can be purchased on the Guild Hall website.
