5 Must-See East End Art Shows This Weekend: June 24–26, 2016
As offices modify hours and schools close for the summer, leisure time finally sets in. But when you spend countless hours roasting at the beach, you may start to recognize the ennui that comes with relaxation. If you need something to do that requires little more effort and thought this weekend, June 24–26, take a trip to one, or all, of these five Hamptons and North Fork art exhibitions. A little culture and some pretty pictures will add structure to the days and feed that beach-barbecued brain of yours.
Peter Beard: Last Word From Paradise at the Guild Hall Museum (also illustrated at top of post)
Peter Beard introduces us to his first US museum solo exhibition in 15 years. Last Word From Paradise features works in two separate galleries and includes 50 years of art, including collages, photographs, drawings and diaries. His works feature images of Africa and its wildlife and landscapes, as well as moments from the artist’s life and adventure, much of it in Montauk—and all in Beard’s unique style, mixing collage, blood, drawings and diary writings. Among the many photographs of Beard’s personal life are collaged shots of his famous friends, including Andy Warhol and Mick Jagger.
The exhibition is open through Sunday, July 31. Visiting hours are 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday, Friday and Saturday, and 12–5 p.m. on Sunday. Starting July 5, the exhibition will be open seven days a week from 12–5 p.m. Admission is free. Visit guildhall.org for more.
ArtHamptons at Lumber Lanes Reserve
It’s that time of year again when the ArtHamptons international art fair opens its doors to thousands of people, welcoming art connoisseurs and lowbrows alike for its ninth season. This year, ArtHamptons is hosting more than 70 exhibitors from around the world to display their unique artworks. Some local exhibitors include the RJD Gallery, Sara Nightingale Gallery, Karyn Mannix Contemporary and Lawrence Fine Art.
The fair begins with a First Look event on Thursday, June 23 at 5 p.m. when co-chairs Maria and Kenneth Fishel and Jack Lenor Larsen will be cutting the ribbon along with Dr. Samuel Waxman and his wife, Marion Waxman, of the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation. The ribbon cutting will be followed by a VIP preview. First Look tickets will be $100 and VIP Opening Night Preview tickets will be $75. General admission will be $20. The exhibit will be open to the public from Friday–Saturday from 12–8 pm and Sunday, 12–7 p.m. Visit arthamptons.com for more info.
The Best of Thirty Squared 2016 at the Water Mill Museum
This second annual exhibition will begin on Thursday, June 23, featuring an atypical display of painting and photography from 26 different artists, who have met the challenge of painting 30 paintings in 30 days during the winter months. Artists on view include, Sally Breen, Ann Lombardo, Anthony Lombardo, Joanne Rosko, Bob Sullivan and more.
The exhibition will be open Thurdays to Mondays from 11 am to 5 pm. The gallery is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. A Meet the Artists Reception will take place Saturday, June 25 from 4 pm to 7 pm. Call Ann Lombardo at 631-268-8580 or email her at aline99@optonline.net. For more information, visit watermillmuseum.org.
Abstraction Exhibit at Alex Ferrone Gallery
The works of Scott Farrell, Christine Matthäi and Alex Vignoli will be on display at the Alex Ferrone Gallery starting June 25. The exhibit will feature abstract photography crafted by the three artists, leaving viewers befuddled and intrigued by the works’ abstruseness.
An opening reception will be held on Saturday, June 25 from 6–8 p.m. The gallery is open Thursdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. and Saturdays, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Viewing by appointment only is available on other weekdays. To make an appointment call 631-734-8545 or visit alexferronegallery.com for more info.
Claudia Aronow: Paintings at the Peter Marcelle Project
Linger between walls filled with Claudia Aronow’s ambiguous and intriguing paintings starting this Friday, June 24. This exhibition features Aronow’s abstract, expressive paintings, influenced by Jackson Pollock and Brice Marden. This is the second time Marcelle and Aronow will collaborate on a solo exhibition.
There will be an opening reception on Sunday, June 26 from 5–7 p.m. Starting Friday, Aronow’s works will be on display Thursday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., and Monday–Wednesday by appointment only. To make an appointment, contact Catherine McCormick at 631-613-6170 or cmccormick@petermarcellegallery.com. Visit petermarcelleproject.com for more info.