Arts and Archives’ Exhibition Returns to Ashawagh Hall September 12 to 14

The Springs Historical Society will present its annual exhibition, “Arts and Archives,” at Ashawagh Hall from Friday, September 12 through Sunday, September 14. This year’s featured artist is Lucy de Kooning-Villeneuve, presenting “The Book Drop.” The show is curated by Teri Kennedy.

The exhibition showcases work by more than 50 contemporary Springs artists in painting, sculpture, ceramics, textile, photography and glass. Archival materials from the past 50 years will also be on display, offering historical context.

The event opens with a public preview on Friday, September 12 from 1 to 5 p.m., followed by a members-only reception from 5 to 7 p.m. On Saturday, September 13, the exhibition is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a general reception from 5 to 7 p.m. On Sunday, September 14, the gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the Curator’s Forum begins at 2 p.m.

The Curator’s Forum will feature Helen A. Harrison and Phyllis Braff in conversation on “The Creative Decade: The ’70s in Springs.” Harrison is a prominent art historian and longtime director of the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center. Braff, an independent critic and curator, was an art columnist for The New York Times and The East Hampton Star for several decades.

Now in its 50th year, “Arts and Archives” continues to highlight the legacy and ongoing influence of artists in Springs. Notables from the past who lived and worked in the community include Jackson Pollock, Larry Rivers, Willem de Kooning and Lee Krasner. Participating artists in this year’s show include Elizabeth Parker Anderson, Dan Christensen, Berenice D’Vorzon, John Little, Charlotte Park, Charles Waller and Athos Zacharias.

Fourteen artists will participate for the first time in 2025, including Nick Weber, Lucy de Kooning-Villeneuve and Alison Seifer.

“After five years of curating ‘Arts and Archives,’ this exhibition continues to be an inspiring adventure,” said Kennedy. “Every year, I discover new artists in Springs.”

Guests are encouraged to meet the artists, enjoy a glass of wine and purchase works on display. Artists donate 50 percent of sales to the Springs Historical Society. Proceeds from the 2025 show will help fund the Ruth Applehof Memorial Reading Room and support the care and display of the Society’s archival materials.

Visitors are also invited to view Abby Abrams’ solo exhibition at the Springs Community Library, located directly across from Ashawagh Hall.

Ashawagh Hall is located at 780 Springs Fireplace Road in East Hampton. For more information, visit springshistoricalsociety.org.