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.
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
The Smile Shop is an artist-designed pop-up shop in the Pamela and Edward Pantzer Lobby Gallery. The Smile Shop is in service to its audience – we are here to serve and provide smiles! All merchandise is designed by Joel Mesler and includes items such as charm necklaces, wallpaper, and more!
Remember slides? Bring in your slides or someone else’s (and carousels, if you’ve got them)! Slides of old work, vacations, a box you have no clue what it is, —whatever they may be—let’s look together.
Shrinky Dinks with the Shrink! Let’s do some inner child work with Dr. Mesler—only if you are ready to do the hard work. We will take inspiration from Miles of Smiles and create whimsical shrinky dinks, while spending time in analysis with Joel.
Fun fact: Joel was only 3 units away from a psychology major.
Art Social is a monthly gathering where attendees enter into a supportive and judgment-free session of art/craftmaking and socializing. Bring your friends and expect to make new ones while tapping into your creative selves. Workshops will be led by experts in their practice, and the projects are designed to be easily and enjoyably accomplished by all skill levels.
A collaborative drawing and design session. Bring in your own chair or sitting object – something you sit in often (and that is portable) We’ll look at our chairs – discuss what they do for us and how the design of a chair comes about and ultimately how chairs are born—we will dream and collaborate to create the perfect chair.
Please note that all portrait sessions have been filled, and there will be no waiting list.
Ever wanted your portrait painted by Joel Mesler? Now’s your chance.
Over the past 8 years, Joel Mesler has painted over a thousand portraits. Part performance, a hap-happy-happening, Mesler has created unique opportunities for guests and passersby experience a mini-portrait session at venues such as Independent Art, Levy Gorvy Dayan, and The Mark Hotel, on a ferry, and even at artist Austyn Weiner’s wedding. And now a few folks will get to sit down for a session at Guild Hall.
Photo courtesy of Joel Mesler.
