5 Must-See Art Shows in the Hamptons This Weekend
The East End is famous for its legacy of visual art. Our cultural history includes such greats as 19th century master William Merritt Chase, legendary Abstract Expressionist Jackson Pollock and blue chip contemporary painter Eric Fischl, but we also have a richly vibrant stable of emerging talent and a host of gallerists and curators who allow us to enjoy treasures created beyond our shores. The art never stops on the East End, but summer is clearly the most exciting time to be an art lover on the Twin Forks. Sometimes there are so many shows it’s hard to know where to begin. Get started with these five must-see Hamptons art shows, then visit our Events Calendar and make your own path through our cavalcade of quality culture.
1. The Nature Conservancy Nature Inspires
Curated by local gallerist and landscape designer Silas Marder, this exciting group show serves as the centerpiece for the Nature Conservancy’s June 28 Beaches & Bays gala. The exhibition features a selection of respected local landscape artists including Bobbie Braun, Jim Gingerich and Terry Elkins as well as members of “The Wednesday Group: Plein Air Painters of the East End” (comprising Gene Samuelson, Frank Sofo, Alyce Peifer, Anna Franklin, Pam Vossen, Peter Gumpel and Debbie Palmer), who will all be in attendance at the opening reception (with jazz!) on Saturday, June 7 at 6 p.m. Each piece for the show has been created especially to benefit The Nature Conservancy.
On view June 9-July 2 (Monday-Friday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.) at the Bruckmann Library at The Center for Conservation, 142 Route 114 in East Hampton. nature.org
2. Josefin Hardinger at c/o The Maidstone
Emerging Swedish fine art photographer Josefin Hardinger debuts her first-ever stateside exhibit at Scandanavian-style hotel c/o The Maidstone in East Hampton. The exhibition, hosted by hotel owner Jenny Ljungberg, features Hardinger’s compelling altered photographs—each completed with hours of post-production work to amazing effect. The artist’s surreal photos illuminate a uniquely beautiful and unsettling cast of characters, though the images are only of herself and a friend. Subtle proportional changes and totally reworked images inspire second and third looks from all but the most oblivious viewers. This is Hardinger’s first major solo exhibition and is part of the hotel’s ongoing effort to display fine contemporary photography throughout the year.
On display through May 2015 at c/o The Maidstone, 207 Main Street in East Hampton. Call 631-324-5006 or visit themaidstone.com.
3.Water Mill Museum 22nd Annual Member’s Art Show and Sale
This beautiful waterfront gallery at the Water Mill Museum invites the public to view a wide array of work from mostly local artists. The work more than 100 artists is on display and priced affordably for sale, to benefit the museum’s restoration fund for the ongoing restoration and preservation of its historical landmark building (including the hamlet’s namesake watermill). Go see what your neighbors are creating in this worthwhile community exhibition for a great cause! Admission is free.
On view through June 16 at 41 Old Mill road in Water Mill, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Call 631-726-4625 or visit watermillmuseum.org.
4. The Three Amigos of Sagaponack at Monika Olko Gallery
Three larger-than-life veteran metal sculptors from Sagaponack populate this exhibition with stunning works. Hans Van De Bovenkamp, Nathan Slate Joseph and Ed Haugevik are no strangers to accolades and they happen to be very good friends. Monika Olko Gallery brings them together in a special, out-of-the-box and fun show. Known for his monumental sculptures,Hans Van De Bovenkamp offers gorgeous small-scale gems and colorful drawings which reveal the artist’s process and another side of his limitless vision. Nathan Slate Joseph masterfully blurs the boundaries between sculpture and painting with his textured, weathered, pigmented pieces, while Ed Haugevik’s steel sculptures are minimalist, ethereal and light.
On view through the month of June, 12–5 p.m., at 95 Main Street in Sag Harbor. Call 631-899-4740 or visit monikaolkogallery.com. (Artists Reception: Saturday June 21 from 5–8 p.m.)
5. Picture of Lola: Lola Montes Schnabel & Julian Schnabel at The Fireplace Project
This exhibition featuring the father-daughter duo of famed expressionist Julian Schnabel and emerging talent Lola Montes Schnabel comprises self-portraits by Lola, alongside her father’s portraits of her, painted over the years. Works on view include photographs printed on wood, and paintings (using gentian violet and watercolor) by Montes Schnabel, and her father’s iconic plate paintings, as well as a large oil and resin on canvas. Lola and Julian have never exhibited together before.
On display through June 23 at The Fireplace Project, 851 Springs Fireplace Road in Springs, East Hampton. Call 631-324-4666 or visit thefireplaceproject.com.