New York Foundation for the Arts 40th Anniversary Gala

Empire Entertainment was honored to produce the New York Foundation for the Arts 40th Anniversary Gala, which took place at the Prince George Ballroom on April 26, 2011. Although the event took place nearly a month after the first day of spring, the change in season did not seem official until the day of the 40th Anniversary Gala––an appropriate coincidence given the mission of the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) support artists at budding stages in their creative lives.The gallery of the Prince George Ballroom was filled with works by several of NYFA’s most celebrated artists, including two 13 foot paintings by David Sandlin, as well as an enormous ceramic sculpture by Steven Montgomery entitled Green Door. During the cocktail reception Combo Nuvo, an improvisational jazz ensemble featuring several of New York’s most acclaimed jazz artists, played while guests enjoyed the artwork, passed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.Guests were then ushered into the ornate ballroom for to find appetizers awaiting them. Abigail Kirsch catered an exquisite dinner, during which Kathleen Chalfant, actor and member of the NYFA leadership counsel, introduced each honored artist. The honorees included Todd Haynes, writer, director and executive producer whose most recent film I’m Not There won the Robert Altman award at the Independent Spirit Awards. Critically acclaimed choreographer and Editor-in-Chief of Dance Magazine, Wendy Perron, controversial artist Andres Serrano and NYFA trustee Kathleen O’Grady were also on the list of honorees. Following the award presentation was a performance by Suzzy Roche.

Working closely with New York Foundation for the Arts events team, Empire Entertainment served as overall producer of the event and as responsible for aspects ranging from event design, layout, technical production and logistics to décor and music.To learn more about New York Foundation for the Arts or to donate, please visit, NYFA.org.