Arts : Arts and Letters Group Admits 10

Ten leading cultural figures, including the “wrap” artist Christo and playwright John Guare, have been elected to the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters, it was announced today.

Christo, 53, whose full name is Christo Javaceff, is known for creating art by wrapping fabric and plastic around things such as islands, buildings and bridges. Guare, 50, best known for his acid comedy “House of Blue Leaves,” also was acclaimed for his screenplay, “Atlantic City.” Also elected were poet and critic Donald Hall, novelist Don DeLillo, historian Peter Gay, novelist Alison Lurie, painters George McNeil, Agnes Martin and Jane Freilicher and composer Ralph Shapey.