Guild Hall’s Annual Summer Gala Shines On The Guild Hall Grounds   

Guild Hall’s Annual Summer Gala was held for the first time entirely on the institution’s campus on Friday, August 2. Over 350 guests attended to celebrate a preview of the exhibition, “Julian Schnabel: Selected Works from Home,” and honor Hilarie and Mitchell Morgan, who were recognized for their generosity in renovating the theater. Guests enjoyed activations in all areas of the renovated building, including the museum, theater, and gardens.

The landmark event was attended by notable members of the East End creative community, including guest of honor Julian Schnabel and Louise Kugelberg, honorees Hilarie and Mitchell Morgan, Board Chair Marty Cohen and Michele Cohen, Executive Director Andrea Grover, architect Peter Marino, writer Bob Colacello, gallerist Vito Schnabel and Helena Althof, artists Laurie Anderson, Alice Aycock, Ross Bleckner, Brian Hunt, Joel Perlman, Ralph Gibson and Robert Longo, film director Sophie Chahinian, costume designer Mary Jane Marcasiano, Tutto il Giornos’ Gabi Karan de Felice and Gianpaolo de Felice, The Colony Hotel’s Sarah and Andrew Wetenhall, and art world luminaries Milly and Arne Glimcher, Stefano Tonchi and David Maupin, Sandy Brant, and Barbara Tober.

Guests enjoyed cocktails from 5:30 to 7 PM, including a preview of “Julian Schnabel: Selected Works from Home,” on view now through October 27. Specialty libations and passed hors d’oeuvres by Acquolina were enjoyed in the Minikes Garden, transformed with exquisite florals, wicker chairs, and overhead lanterns by Summer Gala sponsor The Colony Hotel.

At 7:30 PM, Chair Marty Cohen and Executive Director Andrea Grover welcomed guests into the newly renovated Hilarie and Mitchell Morgan Theater. The program included a performance of an original composition for Julian Schnabel by multimedia artist Laurie Anderson, and Chairman Marty Cohen’s award presentation and short documentary screening for Hilarie and Mitchell Morgan.

Attendees then made their way to the dinner tent, which Anthony Taccetta Design had festively decorated. Acquolina Catering prepared a Chilled Yellow Tomato Gazpacho Amuse Bouche, followed by a pasta course of Penne alla Nerano, their signature Black Bass En Papillote as the main course, and Flourless Lemon Caprese Cake and Three Chocolate Mousse for dessert.

In between courses, Chief Philanthropy Officer Kristin Eberstadt encouraged guests to join the new “Friends of” (Museum, Theater or Learning + New Works) program for $5,000 each, posing a challenge to secure at least 20 new friends in under two minutes and fifty seconds—which successfully yielded many new Friends and raised $140,000, making the total contributions for the evening $950,000 to support Guild Hall’s mission.

As the desserts were being enjoyed, tunes were spun by DJ Mick piped in from the adjacent Furman Garden, enticing guests to hit the dance floor, closing out another successful summer gala at Guild Hall.