Take Flight Brings Great Art to Java Nation Sag Harbor

By William McCuddy

3 minute 02/19/2026

Take Flight at Java Nation, Photo: Bill McCuddy

Call it coffee and canvas. And a splash of wine. Java Nation in Bridgehampton stayed open a little late last Friday for an area artist show. Curator Dana Frances Hilbert is a realtor and Java barista by day that started in photography and now also does watercolors. She dubbed the evening ‘Take Flight.’

It was all on display along with nearly 20 other local painters, photographers and sculptors. “I invited some friends and here we are,” she said with a big smile. The jammed back room was a hit for the popular daytime spot. “Java Nation is a community spot and I’ve been here for quite some time,” she added. “There are a lot of images ‘taking off’ on the theme. You’ll see naked images jumping, for example.”

Jacqus Venay is a daytime Java man. “It’s lovely. It’s a big crowd and lots of farmiliar faces. It’s a good energy and there’s nice stuff.” Then he was off for a sample of wine from Churchill’s, who set up a table in the middle of the action. Greg McMullan was back by the roaster providing acoustic background buying music.

“I love that it’s artists that don’t normally get to be seen, said actress Greta Quezada. “I’m from New Mexico and this seems more earthy than a regular gallery.” She’s right about the new unseen talent. Hilbert’s 13-year-old son Keene just sold a piece. Okay, it was $5 but it’s a start. “I brought all my work and I’m going to sell $200,” he said confidently. Other galleries will be soon be calling I’m certain.

Dawn Nagle is a singer-songwriter, actress, and hairdresser. She likes the venue. “You have a built in crowd here, this place is very popular. It’s less stuffy than an art gallery. I’ve curated shows at the Southampton Cultural Center and out in Colorado but I like this environment.”

So “Take Flight” certainly lived up to the name. Pieces ranged in price from Key’s $500 up to several thousand. Around 100 people showed up for the two hour show. Hilbert said the night was a hit and predicts more like it at the Maple Street haunt. Owner Andrew Bedini was impressed with the turnout but when asked if they’d do it again, he surveyed the large crowd and said with a laugh, “God no!”

He was kidding. I think.

Bill McCuddy doesn’t know his Pollock from a Picasso, but he’s like Norm on ‘Cheers” at Java Nation and has a large black there each morning. He’s the one trying to do The New York Times crossword … slowly.