Join us for an evening with visionary artist, director, and designer Robert Wilson as he discusses his latest publication, Chairs. Known for his groundbreaking work in theater and visual arts, Wilson brings his signature perspective to the design and symbolism of chairs—objects that hold more meaning than we often realize.
This new book, published by Raisonné and August Editions and edited by Owen Laub with photographs by Martien Mulder, presents a curated selection of chairs created by Wilson, exploring their sculptural presence and theatrical potential. With contributions from leading artists, designers, and thinkers, Chairs is both an art object and a meditation on form, function, and history.
Wilson will be joined in conversation by Adrian Madlener, a design writer, editor, and curator known for his expertise in architecture, interiors, and collectible design. Together, they will explore the intersection of design, performance, and storytelling.
A book signing will follow the discussion. Copies of Chairs will be available for purchase at the event.
Chairs is programmed in tandem with the Guild Hall exhibition, Functional Relationships: Artist Made Furniture on view from May 4 – July 13, 2025.
Join artists
Jacqueline Humphries & Stanley Whitney, and Whitney Museum associate curator Laura Phipps for a spirited conversation on the work and legacy of Mary Heilmann, in celebration of her current exhibitions:
Water Way at Guild Hall and
Long Line at the Whitney Museum.
From the oceanic calm of East Hampton to five decades of bold abstraction in New York, Heilmann’s work bridges place, memory, and experimentation. Whitney and Phipps will explore her lasting influence, playful approach to color and form, and the creative throughline connecting both shows.
JULIO TORRES: COLOR THEORIES
Presented by Guild Hall x Murmrr
Spend an evening with comedian/actor/director/writer/style-savant Julio Torres as he brings his singular vision to Guild Hall.
From SNL staff writer, to co-writer & showrunner of HBO’s cult favorite Los Espookys (with Fred Armisen and Ana Fabrega), to writer-director of the A24 surrealist comedy Problemista (with Tilda Swinton and Isabella Rossellini), to creator and star of HBO’s Fantasmas, Torres is one of the hottest commodities in the comedy world.
Join Julio as he blends stand-up, design, and dream logic into a whimsical exploration of color, emotion, and identity—equal parts comedy and art piece.
STIRRING THE POT WITH FLORENCE FABRICANT
GUEST: ANDREW CARMELLINI
Stirring the Pot returns for the 15th consecutive year with a series of four insightful and entertaining talks. For this last session, New York Times food & wine writer Florence Fabricant will have a conversation with chef and restaurateur Andrew Carmellini, who has opened a collection of restaurants after making his name at the original Café Boulud.
Andrew Carmellini’s rustic and refined cooking combines American roots and Italian heritage and is on display in more than a score of restaurants in New York and elsewhere. Each represents a distinctive element in his varied portfolio, assembled after making his name as chef de cuisine at the original Café Boulud in 1998. The Ohio native now unties his apron and puts his feet up, when he can, on the North Fork.
Attendees are invited to arrive at 10 AM for a breakfast by provided by Citarella.
STIRRING THE POT WITH FLORENCE FABRICANT
GUEST: PETE WELLS
Stirring the Pot returns for the 15th consecutive year with a series of four insightful and entertaining talks. For the first session, New York Times food & wine writer Florence Fabricant will have a conversation with Marc Murphy, a chef and television personality. Then we’ll welcome Christina Tosi, known for her uncommon confections and string of Milk Bars. Then Pete Wells, who was the chief restaurant critic for The New York Times for 12 years. The final guest will be chef and restaurateur Andrew Carmellini, who has opened a collection of restaurants after making his name at the original Café Boulud.
Pete Wells finally shelved his aliases a year ago after 12 years as the restaurant critic for The New York Times. His specialty, as he has put it, is writing “with opinion and analysis about all kinds of restaurants serving all kinds of cuisine in all kinds of neighborhoods for all kinds of prices.” He’s from Rhode Island, and worked as an editor at Food & wine and at the Times before being tapped to call the vast world of New York restaurants home turf.
Attendees are invited to arrive at 10 AM for a breakfast provided by Citarella.
Are you ready for story time? Let’s get comfortable and listen to the soothing sounds of Joel’s voice as enlightening life lessons are read directly from a selection of the artist’s books. Afterward, you’ll be so relaxed that you may want to take a stroll, call a loved one, or go to the beach for a nap—whatever post-activity discovery you decide to embark upon, you’ll be fully present for it, or not.
There will be 4 sessions from 12-2 PM, at 30 minutes per session.
Are you already old friends, new friends, or would you like to be friends?! Let’s have coffee with our pal Joel! We will pour a cup of joe (with a choice of goat, cow, or almond milk), immerse ourselves in the Miles of Smiles installation, and hey, if the weather is nice, we might even go outside.
Cost: $5 for coffee with unlimited refills
