Stories and Reflections On ‘The Land Claim’

On Friday, October 29, at 6 p.m., the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill presents “Stories and Reflections from The Land Claim Collaborators” — a panel and roundtable discussion with artists, historians, advocates, and keepers of heritage whose contributions to the acclaimed exhibition “Tomashi Jackson: The Land Claim” helped unearth many untold stories of communities of color on the East End. Through illustration and dialogue, the panelists will bring to life the people in the images that informed Jackson’s paintings. The program will be offered in person in the Lichtenstein Theater followed by light reception, as well as via livestream.

The panel, moderated by Corinne Erni, Senior Curator of ArtsReach and Special Projects, features: Bonnie Cannon, executive director of the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center (BHCCRC); Jeremy Dennis, fine art photographer and Shinnecock Indian Nation member; Kelly Dennis, attorney specializing in federal Indian law and secretary of the Shinnecock Council of Trustees; Dr. Georgette Grier-Key, executive director and chief curator of the Eastville Community Historical Society; Minerva Perez, executive director of OLA (Organización Latino-Americana) of Eastern Long Island; Tela Loretta Troge, attorney and counselor at law; Richard “Juni” Wingfield, a long-time community liaison for the Southampton School District.

“Tomashi Jackson: The Land Claim” is a multipart exhibition centered on the historic and contemporary lived experiences of Indigenous, Black, and Latinx families on the East End of Long Island, on view at the Parrish through November 7. As part of her process, Jackson conducted research and interviews for nearly a year of the panelists and other community leaders including Donnamarie Barnes, curator and archivist for Sylvester Manor Educational Farm in Shelter Island, who is not available for the program. By documenting family and community life, moments of struggle and celebration, work, everyday life, public spaces, and historical sites in her work in the exhibition, Jackson addresses issues that have consistently linked historic and contemporary lives of communities of color on the East End.

This indoor event requires all attendees to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test within 72 hours. To help expedite the check-in process, guests are encouraged to send their proof in advance by emailing it to healthfirst@parrishart.org. Put the event title in subject line.

The Parrish Art Museum is at 279 Montauk Highway, Water Mill.