LongHouse Reserve Awarded Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation Grant

LongHouse Reserve exemplifies living with art in all forms — its collections, gardens, sculpture and programs reflecting world cultures and inspiring creative life.

And they are meant for everyone.

The East Hampton reserve recently received a $46,756.50 grant from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, which will allow LongHouse to expand its reach into the Eastern Long Island community, and beyond, with “outstanding and affordable cultural and historical experiences,” according to a press release.

“These community outreach efforts center on the underserved members of the local towns of the East End, primarily the immigrant population and their children,” according to a press release. “The grant directly assists in defraying rising costs in LongHouse’s Public Art in the Gardens Program, including costs associated with art acquisition, installation, marketing and outreach.”

The cornerstone of art, garden and educational initiatives is “Public Art in the Gardens,” LongHouse Reserve’s yearlong exhibition, open to the public from April through December. It features new art on loan, as well as pieces from the permanent collection, which are annually relocated to different locations in the garden to allow for a fresh perspective.

“The placement and installation of the sculpture, often massive in size, is one of LongHouse’s biggest tasks and challenges,” the release said.

More than half the children who visit LongHouse are from Hispanic and African-American households, which has encouraged LongHouse to reach out to underserved members of the community with informal talks, flyers printed in English and Spanish, and complimentary guest passes to be used during open days. LongHouse has also formed an alliance with an English as a Second Language class, and offers complimentary bilingual tours to students and families.

“A grant from the Gardiner Foundation is a vote of confidence in LongHouse Reserve’s mission to illuminate the unique natural setting and artistic environment that has nurtured and inspired world renowned artists,” LongHouse Executive Director Matko Tomicic said. “It is a distinctive cultural designation for the region, nation and the world.”

LongHouse Reserve is located at 133 Hands Creek Road in East Hampton. For more information, call 631-329-3568 or visit longhouse.org.