Skowhegan’s Annual Awards Dinner Draws a Crowd

On Oct. 22, New York’s top artists and art supporters gathered at Guastavino’s for Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture’s annual Awards Dinner. Established in 1971 in honor of the school’s 25th anniversary, the dinner celebrates artists and philanthropists in the cultural sphere who support Skowhegan’s mission. The evening raised $950,000 and honored artist Howardena Pindell with the Skowhegan Medal for Painting; Matthew Higgs at White Columns with the Governors’ Award for Outstanding Service; and Forge Project and Candice Hopkins with the inaugural Vanguard Award for Pioneering Work in the Arts. Performances by R&B artist Keeya and DJ Adam R. concluded the night. Notables in attendance included Shaun Leonardo, Derrick Adams, Baseera Khan, Kent Monkman, Jeffrey Meris, Alison Saar, Jasmine Wahi, Avery Singer, Jose Esparza Chong Cuy, and more. Photos by Bre Johnson/BFA unless otherwise stated.