The night of Monday, April 3, a host of notable movers and shakers from the art, fashion, media and business worlds descended upon the New York Academy of Art‘s historic building at 111 Franklin Street like a herd of wild animals. Before you become offended by our comparing such lovely people as Alan Cumming, Princess Alexandra of Greece, Donna Karan, AnnaSophia Robb and Martha Stewart to wild animals, allow us to explain: the 22nd annual Tribeca Ball had a whimsical Noah’s Ark theme. Presented by French luxury brand Van Cleef & Arpels, by no means did this event resemble a zoo (unless you count Martha Stewart’s animal-print jacket or the many feathered ensembles worn by other guests).

 

Martha Stewart, Photo courtesy of the New York Academy of Art

 

This year’s Ball consisted of a sit-down dinner by chef Daniel Boulud peppered with fundraising efforts and a walk-through of 6 floors of open studios filled with work by the Academy’s talented students.

 

Artist Danica Lundy, Photo// Instagram (@nyacademyofart)

 

Special entertainment included musical performances, interactive installations, a sketching of live birds and—oh, yeah—event chairs Alain Bernard, Christina Di Donna, Brooke Shields and Naomi Watts galavanting around the room in cupcake tiaras designed by artist and New York Academy faculty member Will Cotton.

 

Naomi Watts, Photo courtesy of the New York Academy of Art

 

Overall, the Tribeca Ball raised over $860,000 that will go towards the Academy’s scholarships and public programming. $55,000 of that sum was raised specifically for the Will Cotton Scholarship, the creation of which was announced for the first time during dinner at the event.

 

Will Cotton, Photo courtesy of the New York Academy of Art