Chad Leat To Be Honored By The Parrish - 27 East

Arts & Living

Arts & Living / 1330849

Chad Leat To Be Honored By The Parrish

icon 1 Photo

author on Jul 10, 2018

At its Midsummer Party this Saturday, July 14, the Parrish Art Museum will honor both artist Keith Sonnier, whose work is currently on display at the museum in Water Mill, and Chad Leat, a Parrish trustee who is a former Citibank vice chairman of global banking in addition to being a patron of the arts.

Mr. Leat’s art collection includes pieces by Banksy, Andy Warhol, Robert Mapplethorpe, Christopher Wool, Jeff Koons, Richard Prince, Wolfgang Tillmans, Ai Wei Wei, Donald Judd, Mary Heilmann and many others of note, as well as emerging artists.

In advance of the gala honoring him this weekend, Mr. Leat took a few questions on his relationship with art and with the Parrish in particular.

How did you begin collecting art?

I did not intentionally BEGIN collecting art but was fortunate to have many friends when I was in my 20s and 30s who were knowledgeable and encouraged me to buy. In particular when I was in my late 20s, just starting my career on Wall Street, an older couple, Jock Truman and his life partner Eric Green, became close friends and included me in their social life. Jock was retired then, but he was Betty Parsons’s right hand in her gallery. In my 30s, I was once again adopted by one of the greats, Holly Solomon. Holly would literally call me and occasionally demand that I buy a piece of art. In fact, Holly not only guided me on the acquisitions that hang in my Hamptons home, she hung and lit it as well. As my career progressed, I began purchasing art more regularly and with a bit more planning and purpose.

What do you look for when collecting art?

The most important thing for me is that I’m passionate about the piece. I tend to have things that I like to not only look at, but are interesting to think about and that creates a message that I personally find important or insightful.

What piece of your collection are you proudest of?

Given my disposition towards collecting things I am passionate about makes it difficult to single out a particular work. That being said, the two Mapplethorpe self-portraits (Man and Woman) are very special to me. I love Mapplethorpe as an artist, and I bought these two pieces when he was still alive—early in my life as a collector;

In what ways have you been involved with the Parrish Art Museum?

I was introduced to [Parrish Director] Terrie Sultan by my friend Preston Phillips the year before the Parrish’s new building opened. Terrie gave us a hardhat tour of the new building when it was about 70 percent complete. I was immediately in love with her and the building so when she and the board asked me to join them as a trustee, I was delighted to do so. I have been quite active in helping the museum with their outreach program for new trustees. Along with some key trustees we have worked hard to make the Summer Gala even more successful each year. It is a very important event for the museum financially and has indeed become a major event of the Hamptons season.

What are the benefits of supporting the arts?

When I joined the board of the Parrish, I thought the most meaningful part to me would be learning about art and the intricacies of running a museum. While I have learned a great deal about both of those topics, the big surprise and learning lesson for me has been understanding the importance that these institutions play within the community and the Parrish in particular. Giving back to the community is tremendously inspiring and extraordinarily personally rewarding. And, I feel far more connected to the Hamptons community as a result.

You May Also Like:

Springs Artist Fitzhugh Karol Debuts Outdoor Sculpture Show at Duck Creek

The Arts Center at Duck Creek will present “Fitzhugh Karol: On the Grounds,” a site-specific ... 8 Jul 2025 by Staff Writer

La Goulue Sur Mer Arrives in Southampton, With a Dash of Chaos and a Side of Style

“Is it true?” said the anxious DM on my Instagram account. “Is La Goulue really ... by Steven Stolman

Art on a Line: Guild Hall’s Clothesline Sale Hangs Tough for 2025

Guild Hall’s beloved Clothesline Art Sale returns on Saturday, July 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The annual event, a Hamptons tradition since 1946, transforms the museum’s lawn into a sea of original artwork — hung on clotheslines — and offers visitors the chance to purchase local art at accessible prices. Jackson Pollock once sold a painting at the sale for $250, and past participants have included Lee Krasner, Alfonso Ossorio, Elaine and Willem de Kooning and other art-world icons. The event continues to offer a rare opportunity for the public to view and purchase work by East End ... by Staff Writer

The Climate-Friendly Fitness Routine

“Live simply so that others might simply live” — Mahatma Gandhi The first time I ... by Jenny Noble

Joy Behar Gets the Last Laugh in ‘My First Ex-Husband' at Bay Street Theater, July 14-19

Emmy Award-winning comedian and co-host of “The View,” Joy Behar stars in “My First Ex-Husband,” a bold, funny and heartfelt new play based on true stories from her life. The limited engagement runs July 14 through 19, at Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor. With razor-sharp wit and no filters, “My First Ex-Husband” explores the messy, hilarious truths of love, sex and relationships. Adapted from Behar’s personal experiences, the show is both deeply personal and widely relatable. Behar will appear on stage on July 14, 18 and 19. Also appearing nightly, July 14 through 19, are Veanne Cox, a Tony-nominated ... by Staff Writer

Experience the Rhythms of Brazil With Nilson Matta’s Voyage Quartet

Grammy-nominated bassist Nilson Matta will lead his Brazilian Voyage Quartet at The Church on Friday, July 25, at 6 p.m. The concert is part of Hamptons JazzFest. The group features acclaimed guitarist Chico Pinheiro and offers a rich exploration of samba, bossa nova and modern Brazilian jazz. Matta, a founding member of the renowned Trio da Paz and longtime collaborator with Yo-Yo Ma on the Grammy-winning “Obrigado Brazil” project, is known for blending traditional Brazilian rhythms with contemporary jazz. His lyrical bass playing and deep rhythmic connection have earned him international acclaim. Guitarist Chico Pinheiro, recognized as a leading voice ... by Staff Writer

At the Galleries for July 10, 2025

Montauk The Depot Art Gallery, at the Montauk railroad station at the corner of Flamingo ... by Staff Writer

Round and About for July 10, 2025

Fireworks Shelter Island Fireworks The Shelter Island fireworks will be held on Saturday, July 12, ... by Staff Writer

Curtis Institute of Music Alumni and Faculty To Perform in East Hampton on July 22

Talented alumni and faculty from the world-renowned Curtis Institute of Music will tour the East Coast this summer, with a concert scheduled for Tuesday, July 22, at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of East Hampton. The event is presented by Music for Montauk. The program features beloved melodies ranging from Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” to works by Brahms and de Falla. Performers include mezzo-soprano Katie Trigg, violinist Elissa Lee Koljonen, pianist Hanchien Lee, and Curtis Institute President and violist Roberto Díaz. The concert program includes: Manuel de Falla’s “Suite Populaire Espagnole,” performed by Díaz (viola) and Lee (piano); ... by Staff Writer

'Bonnie & Clyde' Cast and Crew Announced for Bay Street Musical

Bay Street Theater has unveiled the complete cast and creative teams for its pulse-pounding musical ... 7 Jul 2025 by Staff Writer