Guild Hall Presented Academy of the Arts Awards Monday

It was time once again Monday for Guild Hall to celebrate the achievements of a special group of East End part-time and full-time residents at the Rainbow Room in New York City.

The 32nd Academy of the Arts Achievement Awards honored Susan Stroman for performing arts, Edwina von Gal for visual arts, Philip Schultz for literary arts, and Cheryl and Michael Minikes for their philanthropic efforts.

Ms. Stroman is a Broadway director, choreographer, and performer, perhaps best known for her Tony Award-winning work as the director of “The Producers.” Her award, presented by John Weidman, a librettist and writer for “Sesame Street,” set the theme for the evening. Laura Osnes and Tony Yasbeck of “Crazy for You” provided entertainment.

Ms. von Gal is a landscape designer and activist whose Perfect Earth Project has advocated strongly for property owners and managers to stop using chemicals in their landscaping. Maya Lin, an artist and the designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., presented the award.

Alice Quinn, the director of the Poetry Society of America, presented Mr. Schultz's award, recognizing his distinguished work in poetry. Roy Furman, a Broadway producer and friend of Mr. and Mrs. Minikes, presented them with the Special Award for Leadership and Philanthropic Endeavors.

Eric Fischl, the president of Guild Hall’s Academy of the Arts, hosted the event with Marty Cohen, the chairman of Guild Hall’s board, and Andrea Grover, the executive director of Guild Hall. 

The academy selects a few artists a year for spring residencies in Guild House, a residence behind Guild Hall’s main building. Tanya Gabrielian, a pianist and one of those residents, also performed for the 220 guests.



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