The Art Southampton VIP Party Last Night Was Like a Rolling Stones Concert
Last night, what seemed like the entire Hamptons descended onto Art Southampton for their opening VIP Preview party at the grounds of the Elks Lodge.
The weather was comfortable—the traffic was not, however. The parking lot at the event was so full that guests were parking at surrounding businesses and walking to the party on the side of the road while police officers and traffic cops lit flares in the street. The whole thing reminded me of a large concert, only you weren’t going there to see the Rolling Stones, you were going there to see some stunning artwork.
Inside the tent, I rant into Ken Rothwell, who is the Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge where the event takes place, who had a big smile on his face with the turnout. “It’s a wonderful event and it helps in more ways than one. We’re super proud to have Art Southampton and hope that they continue to come here for years to come.”
There was beer being served by Sam Adams, there were Andy Warhol paintings on display and art from all over the world, including a Daffy Duck sculpture from Munich that is being represented by Galerie Terminus.
Money from the VIP party last night benefited Southampton Hospital, and gave collectors first dibs to acquire some of the finest pieces of modern and contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries. Even the Ross School in East Hampton had a booth at the event, with student artists, who are quite serious about their work, selling their photography and paintings.
The David Lusk Gallery from Memphis and the Amy Li Gallery from Beijing can give you some perspective on where all the art is coming from and how unique the work is. All in all, the party was a huge success, and it looks like Art Southampton is going to have another great year.