'Generous Ground' Alumni Show Opens at Duck Creek

The Arts Center at Duck Creek presents “Generous Ground,” its first official alumni exhibition, which will be on view now through July 27. This celebratory summer show honors the visionary artists and supporters who have shaped Duck Creek into a radically accessible, artist-first arts space since its founding.

This show brings together artists ranging from John Little (1907–1984), whose legacy anchors Duck Creek’s artist-first ethos, to 2025 exhibiting artists Carol Saft and Fitzhugh Karol. Featured alumni include Sydney Albertini, William Eric Brown, Daniel Cabrera, Don Christensen, Carl D’Alvia, Elizabeth Duffy, Elizabeth Hazan, Sue McNally, Lindsay Morris, Erika Ranee, Claire Watson, Ross Watts and others.

The show culminates in Duck Creek’s Summer Benefit on Friday, July 25, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., an outdoor celebration with local food, drinks and community spirit will be capped by a special live performance from Grammy-nominated artist Kaoru Watanabe, known for blending traditional Japanese music with contemporary improvisation. All artwork will be available for bidding online and at the benefit, with proceeds directly supporting Duck Creek’s free public programs.

Located on an East Hampton Town-owned, CPF-protected site, Duck Creek is sustained entirely by community donations, grants and grassroots support. Admission is always free.

Since 2018, Duck Creek has grown into a beloved platform for emerging and under-recognized artists, as well as a dynamic site for community engagement. The proposal-based exhibitions model removes barriers by prioritizing artistic merit over commercial viability, and the acclaimed music series has introduced audiences to talents like Grammy winner Samara Joy — well before she rose to fame. Duck Creek’s Family Night Series is an inclusive, free weekly program featuring live performances, collaborative parent-child art activities, and free dinners donated by local restaurants.

“Duck Creek is a light that says: ‘Join this community of joy and talent and newness,’” said artist Julian Schnabel. Composer Brian Petuch described it as “a concert that reminds you why you make music.” Artist Elizabeth Hazan called Duck Creek “an antidote to the overhyped Hamptons — a reminder of what’s still possible.”

For more information about the “Generous Ground” alumni exhibition and the benefit evening on July 25, visit duckcreekarts.org. The Arts Center at Duck Creek is at 127 Squaw Road in East Hampton.