The awards will be presented to five individuals who have made significant contributions to the visual and performing arts or the environment.
Among the honorees are celebrated soprano Jessye Norman, contemporary dance innovator Merce Cunningham, abstract impressionist Helen Frankenthaler, Tony Award-winning scenic designer Ming Cho Lee; as well as environmentalist, philanthropist and theatre champion, Douglas Durst, and the Durst Organization.
Proceeds from the Nov. 12 gala will benefit the first permanent endowment solely for Purchase School of the Arts with dance, music, theatre and visual arts scholarships. It will also help fund guest artists, including choreographers, conductors, theatre directors and visual artists. The endowment will also support student exhibitions and fully staged student performances.
The gala will include performances from Purchase Conservatory students in tribute to the distinguished honorees.
Tickets for the benefit range $500-$1,000 and are available by calling (212) 677-3173, ext. 235. For further information visit www.purchase.edu.