The New York City  Art Models Guild Hosts Inaugural Gala in SoHo
“The Other Side of the Canvas” Honors Historic Gilded Age and Beaux Art Figure Models
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: New York, NY October 26, 2026 - The New York City Art Models Guild (NYCAMG) will
honor gilded age and beaux arts icons Audrey Munson and Hettie Anderson at its Inaugural Gala, ’The Other Side of the Canvas’ on January 16, 2027 at Woodbine, 414 Broadway, 3rd Floor, 6PM – 10PM in SoHo. A Featured Talk by figure model Iris McKenney will provide historical insight into the professional achievements and personal histories of these two culturally significant women who worked in art institutions and the ateliers of top tier artists in the City of New York. Playwright Pamela Munson Steadman, a living relative of Audrey Munson will be the inaugural events Guest of Honor. Both Munson and Anderson are renown in sculptural form glittering in gilt monuments. Munson is ‘Civic Fame’ perched atop the David Dinkins Municipal Building in Lower Manhattan, while Anderson is rendered as ‘Victory’ striding forward encouraging General Sherman at Grand Army Plaza.
This event brings together artists, educators, gallery owners, curators, collectors, art councils, city officials, tour guides, figure models, supporters of the arts and humanities for a community centered gathering celebrating the essential role of the figure model in art making in New York City’s past and present.
What Makes This Special: New York City has a long history of art balls instigated by painters like Georgia O’Keefe and art clubs like Salmagundi. “The Other Side of the Canvas” is the first arts ball thrown exclusively by figure models. “We are excited that Mayor Mamdani’s Administration is focusing on the arts. Figure Models are entering the larger conversation from a cultural and labor perspective as we have been unrepresented for our contributions to the arts industry. Celebrating these two women whose powerful images stand as sculptures across New York is a great place to start’. The inaugural gala will begin with an intimate VIP reception at 6PM followed by General Admission at 7pm. Ready Set Draw - What Attendees Can Expect
Models know that artists are possessed with a need to draw. Two live sketch sessions have been scheduled as part of the evenings festivities. Attendees can register for one of the two sketch sessions with a live costumed model that will be included in the Admission Plus ticket. “This is cool because guests will take home a souvenir they created themselves”, says Erika, model and media contact for the event. Paper and drawing supplies will be provided free of charge to participants of the sessions. No prior experience is needed, just a willingness to explore creativity and have fun.
Guest of Honor: “We are very excited to have Pamela Munson Steadman, a living relative of “Miss Manhattan” joining us as our guest of honor this year. All we knew about Audrey Munson was that she died in 1996 at age 104, buried in an unmarked grave in upstate New York. We had no idea she had any living relatives! Pamela is writing a play about her fourth cousin and we are very eager to hear what she has to say.” A raffle, exclusive gala merchandise, light refreshments and an opportunity to socialize with an important segment of the Arts Labor workforce will be a source of warmth and light in winter. The Dress Code is Casual or Winter Dressy. Registration & Tickets are Available Now. Student Discounts Available
https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/nycamg/the-other-side-of-the-canvas
The New York City Art Models Guild is a grassroots association of professional figure models. Founded in 2023, NYCAMG advocates for a living wage, a uniform standard of dignified working conditions and professional etiquette in the ateliers, institutions and studios in which figure models work. We seek to strengthen the bonds of the humanities by furthering the understanding of the profound role that figure models perform across creative disciplines. NYCAMG offers free downloadable educational materials, cultural events, model Blogs and an opportunity for figure models to socialize on a monthly basis.Our digital home is NYCArtModelsGuild.org
Media contact:Erika Chamberlin hello@nycartmodelsguild.org (212)475-6547