Art is a subject that leaks into Hamptons happenings all year long, but it really shows up during the summer months. This weekend is a prime example, as the activity arsenal is filled with oodles of artsy action, from new exhibitions to talks to whimsical parties given in honor of keeping art accessible for all.
Fittingly, the last weekend of this month — which, by the way, if you haven’t already, please take a look at our June issue which highlights all the wonderful people, places and things that make the art world of the Hamptons way more interesting. We know art doesn’t really stop for any season, but we took this month to give it its fair place in the sun, so take this weekend to soak it all up.
Iconic artist Hunt Slonem will be at the opening of his new exhibition at Grenning Gallery in Sag Harbor. (Left photo credit: Charlie Rubin, right photo courtesy of Grenning Gallery)
Gather at Grenning for Hunt Slonem’s new show
The Grenning Gallery‘s (26 Main St., Sag Harbor, 631-725-8469) third annual Hunt Slonem solo exhibition starts Thursday, June 25, with an opening reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m., with Slonem in attendance. Beloved for his bunnies, his signature, highly recognizable motif expressed repeatedly on brightly colored paintings, Slonem’s work is included in over 250 prestigious museum collections worldwide. His show at Grenning Gallery will be on view through July 19.
Help support Jamaica, plus local musicians in Sagaponack
Rena’s Dream Food and Sagaponack Farm Distillery (369 Sagg Road, Sagaponack, 631-537-7300) present “Island to Island” benefit today, June 25, beginning at 6 p.m., to support students in Jamaica affected by Hurricane Melissa. A night of good food, great music and the best community, tunes will be provided by Winston Irie and the Selective Security Band as well as DJ on Vinyl. There’ll be jerk chicken and raffle prizes along with beverages from Springs Brewery and Montauk Iced Tea. Tickets are at the door and are $60 per person. On Friday, June 26, Peter Watrous Band performs at the distillery from 6 to 8 p.m. while Jake Lear and Jamie Ellis perform from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 27. Sunday, June 28, don’t miss a crop walk with Marilee Foster at Foster Farm just down the road, at 358 Sagg Main St., from 5 to 7 p.m.
Talk growth, for better or for worse, at Guild Hall
“The Matthiessen Talks: The Idolatry of Growth — How Much is Enough?” is at Guild Hall (158 Main St., East Hampton, 631-324-0806) Thursday, June 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Joining moderator Nina Channing, the conversation includes three acclaimed thinkers whose work examines the values shaping contemporary life: journalist Audrea Lim, novelist and cultural critic Tara Isabella Burton; and psychoanalyst and author Jamieson Webster. Tickets are $35 per person. Get yours here.
Catch the World Cup at Lighthouse Café
The newest addition to the Montauk dining scene, Lighthouse Café (1999 Montauk Highway) hosts “Fútbol Al Fresco,” showcasing the Ecuador v. Germany game of the World Cup today at 4 p.m. Tomorrow, June 26, don’t miss France v. Norway at 1 p.m. and on Saturday, June 27, three games will be shown: Panama v. England and Croatia v. Ghana at 5 p.m. and Colombia v. Portugal at 7:30 p.m. For $25, guests can get chips and guacamole, plus a mimosa or a beer.
Southampton Arts Center welcomes you to “Whimsy”
Southampton Arts Center hosts the sixth annual summer kickoff party, “Whimsy: Latin Jazz Dance Party,” on Saturday, June 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. As SAC’s largest fundraising effort of the year, the event welcomes Southampton’s residents, artists and community members for a night of dancing, live entertainment, good food and fun cocktails, with the proceeds supporting the cultural center’s year-round programming and commitment to providing accessible, inclusive arts experiences for the entire East End community. Maria Raquel Quintet will be offering the toe-tappin’ tunes and Lana Jokel will be honored with the inaugural Community Leader Award. Tickets are $200.
Step out at Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center’s summer benefit
The Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center’s annual summer benefit is this Friday, June 26 at the historic Mulford Farm (8 James Lane, East Hampton) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. For this, in recognition of the community the center serves, tickets are available across a range of prices including a pay-what-you-can option. Dedicated to ensuring every child has the opportunity for a strong start, proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the center’s mission of providing affordable childcare and high-quality early education to families across the community. In addition to a summer kickoff cocktail party, the event celebrates the people that support the center, which will include a presentation of the Eleanor Prize, which is given in honor of founder Eleanor Whitmore’s legacy to those who’ve made a meaningful difference in the lives of children and in supporting working families throughout the East End. This year, the recipient is Ruth Ann McSpadden, a current board member for the center, and who was instrumental in making sure the center remained open during the pandemic. The event will feature hors d’oeuvres by East Hampton Kitchen, wines from Wolffer, live music by the Wild Magnolias and a silent auction.
See works from Jorge Rios at Duck Creek
“REDYELLOWPINK” is the solo exhibition by Jorge Rios opening on Saturday, June 27, at the Arts Center at Duck Creek (127 Squaw Road, East Hampton, 631-604-8464). An opening reception is set for inside the John Little Barn on Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. According to a press statement from Duck Creek, Rios’ work combines gestural brushstrokes, drips and stains with graphic elements like gris and patterns rendered in highly saturated pigments. Gallery hours are Thursday through sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. and the show will be up through Aug. 2.
Artist Jorge Rios’ new exhibition is on view at Duck Creek in Springs. (photo courtesy of Arts Center at Duck Creek)
Consider the American landscape with artists at The Church
Join in for an artist talk with Lucy Raven in conversation with Alan Ruiz at The Church in Sag Harbor (48 Madison St.) this Sunday, June 28, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Raven and Ruiz are two artists at the forefront of new ideas that examine time, place and space while exploring our human experience in the landscape and the community. Raven’s work is featured in the current exhibition on view at The Church, which is “This Land: Considering the American Landscape,” while Ruiz will have a solo show, “De sol a sol,” at Die Bridgehampton, which opened on Friday, June 26. At the talk, Ruiz and Raven will discuss their respective work, followed by a Q&A led by “This Land” exhibition curators Donna de Salvo and Seph Rodney. General admission tickets are $10, $5 for members.
Celebrate America through song at Stony Brook Southampton
The Choral Society of the Hamptons host “Grown on Long Island: A Celebration of Long Island Composers” this Sunday, June 28, at 5:30 p.m. at the Avram Fine Art Theater on Stony Brook University’s Southampton campus. Celerbating three intertwined milestones: the spirit of Long Island, the 80th anniversary of the Choral Society of the Hamptons and the 250th anniversary of America, the program highlights regional artistry alongside nationally significant works. Curated by resident conductor Judith Clurman, a lot of the songs will be super familiar, with selections from the likes of Billy Joel, John Williams, Stephen Schwartz, David Chase and Annie Pasqua. Tickets are $45, $85 for preferred seating and $10 for students. For more info, contact Sara Davison at [email protected] or call 631-204-9402.
Pile in for Project MOST at Moby’s
Project MOST holds their summer benefit — “Making the MOST of Everyday” — this Sunday, June 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Moby’s in East Hampton (341 Pantigo Road). This year is a little extra special as Project MOST marks its 25th anniversary. The organization will honor former East End resident Joe O’Connell, who provided a generous donation that helped launch the Springs School after-school program two decades ago. Music will be from Bill O’Connell Jazz Trio along with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and a paddle raise. Auction goes live Thursday, June 25. Tickets are $150 per person or $250 a couple.
