Wow, the summer is flying by! It’s like I blinked, and August is nearly here. It’s the hottest month, and not just temperature wise. It’s also the most popular month for renters and day trippers, which means there will be even more crowds everywhere we go. It’s time to exercise extra caution on the roads and courtesy and patience in all facets of our conduct. We can’t control the behavior of others, but we can control our own and lead by example. By making a daily practice of keeping a cool head, we can enjoy all this month has to offer, which happens to be a lot. With lots of fundraisers, fairs, art and music events, celebrations of all kinds, this month is full of happy opportunities.The Springs is noted for having a unique blend of culture that arises from a large percentage of Bonackers and artists calling this special hamlet home. Last Monday, a victory celebration for the latter group was held at the Maidstone Park pavilion, which spells great news for all of our area’s artists. A short while ago, the East Hampton Town Board passed the resolution to make the East Hampton Arts Council a working body. The purpose of this group is expressed eloquently in its mission statement, which reads, “The East Hampton Arts Council’s purpose is to promote, support, and, increase the dialog and raise awareness of the arts in our town for the benefit, well-being and education of the community and its future generations.”
An advisory body comprised of volunteers appointed by the town from a list of resident active artists and/or supporters, the council seeks to assist in many important aspects of ensuring that our art culture continues to thrive, from acquiring space for dances and plays, to finding scholarships and financial aid, to helping build studios and getting art into public buildings and grounds. Among the council members are organizers Cynthia Loewen and Kate Mueth, and Springs School teacher Colleen McGowan. It sounds like terrific news for the entire community. Good luck to the East Hampton Arts Council!
Preceding and coinciding with the Fisherman’s Fair, the 46th annual Artists of the Springs Invitational Exhibition will take place at Ashawagh Hall from August 2 through 18. The event is organized by the Springs Improvement Society and the Art Committee for the Springs Invitational, and this year’s guest curator is noted East End painter Jennifer Cross. More than 125 local artists will exhibit their recent work.
The Springs Invitational goes back to the 1950s when it began as a one-day art sale by our hamlet’s most famous artists such as Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner and Willem de Kooning, in an effort to raise funds for the SIS. The present-day gallery space built at the hall in the 1970s is in large part thanks to the funds contributed by this group. The proceeds of this exceptional show will benefit the SIS and its scholarship fund for Springs students. The opening reception is Friday, August 2, from 4 to 7 p.m.
As part of the Invitational, “Ashawagh Honors” on Friday, August 16, from 5 to 8 p.m. will be a Black and White gala reception honoring Eleanor “Chip” Leaver and Ralph Carpentier. The cost is $15 per person, and $25 a couple at the door.
Last, “Curator’s Tour,” a talk and visit with Ms. Cross, will be on Saturday, August 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. Gallery hours for the show will be Sunday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you can’t attend any of these events, the best day to catch the show would be on a Saturday before 1 p.m., so you can pick up the nicest provisions the Hamptons has to offer at the Springs Farmers Market that will be set up on the grounds or, better yet, Saturday the 10th while enjoying the Fisherman’s Fair. Tomorrow begins a new exhibit at the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center located at 830 Springs-Fireplace Road. From August 1 through October 31, the paintings and works on paper of the late artist Charlotte Park will be on view. Ms. Park is best known for her vivid works evoking a wide range of emotions from the 1950s that developed into her own version of Abstract Expressionism. A reception and gallery talk by art historian Sandra Kraskin will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Please visit www.pkhouse.org for more details on this exhibit and the other calendar events planned throughout the summer.
Summer fairs are always good, old-fashioned fun for everybody. There seems to be one going on nearly every week, each with its own vibe. For those like me who love fairs and can’t wait for ours coming up on the 10th, please come by the one held by my church, the First Presbyterian Church of Amagansett this Saturday, August 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of Meeting House Lane and Main Street. It’s our 100th annual fair and is as sweet as a button. Opportunity abounds to win a ton of fantastic prizes in our hugely popular Super Raffle, plus children’s games where everyone is a winner, the most delicious hamburgers, baked items, bargain treasures, and much, much more. Springs readers, please excuse my foray out of our area, as I feel that this little fair really does exemplify the love and good energy that arises when a small group of people, despite challenges and losses, pulls together to create an event that gives back to the community. Come say hello to me at the plant table. Until then, happy week all!
Staff Writer on Jul 29, 2013