The Ucross Foundation hosted its inaugural New York Gala & Awards Dinner last night at The Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center. The night was filled with performances and readings by notable award-winning artists, all Ucross alumni, including Ricky Ian Gordon (Grapes of Wrath, opera), Steven Lutvak (A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder), bestselling author Tayari Jones, author and Vanity Fair contributor Elissa Schappell, composer/pianist Dylan Mattingly, trumpeter Frank London, and singer-songwriter Kate Schutt.
The evening, which was emceed by television screenwriter William “Bill” Broyles, included artwork from Ucross visual artist alumni as well as a cocktail hour. You can still view the artwork here.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Ucross Award for Distinguished Achievement in the Arts, which was presented to Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annie Proulx. Proulx is widely recognized for many of her literary works, notably Brokeback Mountain, which was first published in The New Yorker in 1997.
About Ucross Foundation: Located in northeast Wyoming in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, Ucross Foundation fosters the creative spirit of deeply committed artists and groups by providing uninterrupted time, studio space, living accommodations, and the experience of the majestic High Plains, while serving as a good steward of its 20,000-acre ranch. Residencies are awarded to nearly one hundred artists each year. Ten artists are in residence at one time, typically a mix of four visual artists, four writers and two composers.
top image // ©Patrick McMullan, Photo – Jared Siskin/PMC
