TAKEOVER! Is Back For 2020

Beginning February 1, Southampton Arts Center (SAC) is thrilled to once again hand over the galleries to 10 talented East End artists working in a variety of mediums who will set up shop and create work on-site.

“TAKEOVER 2020! Artists in Residence” was conceived and is curated by Amy Kirwin, SAC’s artistic director. This year’s participating artists are Jodi Bentivegna, Michael Butler, Isadora Capraro, Franco Cuttica, Esly Escobar, Melinda Hackett, Erica-Lynn Huberty, Dinah Maxwell Smith, Miles Partington and Kerry Sharkey-Miller.

On view through April 12, each participating artist has been assigned his or her own space for a “pop-up” studio containing personal items that both comfort and inspire them to create. In addition to exhibiting completed pieces, the artists will be in residence in the galleries and their works-in-progress will be on view at all times.

Completed works will be installed and the artists will have scheduled weekly studio time in the galleries from Thursday to Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. to create new works in a wide variety of mediums. A schedule will be posted online each week so the public can plan visits accordingly. This gives guests the opportunity to visit repeatedly to view the progress of new works.

This artists’ playground offers the public a rarely seen peek into the creative process and a sense of what it’s like to be invited into these sacred private spaces. It is both encouraged and anticipated that the “TAKEOVER 2020!” artists will collaborate organically during the course of their residencies.

New this year, students from the Ross School and Southampton High School will be working alongside the professional artists to learn from their collective years of experience, and the interactive setting will help them build confidence and enhance their communication skills.

There will be workshops for all ages, intimate gallery tours, and unique programs inspired by the artists and their works in progress. Additionally, a weekly “hangout” will take place every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. where the community can come and spend the evening with the artists, play ping-pong, have a drink, socialize, and watch the creative process at play.

“Takeover 2020!” opens with a reception on Saturday, February 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. followed by a free dance party with DJ Mister Lama from 8 to 10 p.m. SAC is at 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton.

“Takeover 2020!” Related Programs and Events

Sundays, February 2, April 12 — Gallery tours with the artists. 3 p.m.

Every Thursday — Takeover hangouts with special community partners, including OLA, Peconic Land Trust, South Fork Natural History Museum, East End Food Institute, The Watermill Center and others to be announced. 6 to 8 p.m.

Friday, March 20 — Panel discussion with Takeover 2019 alumni. 6 p.m.

Artist-Led Workshops:

Saturday, February 8, 3 p.m. Embroidery with Erica-Lynn Huberty. Ages 13+. $25.

Sunday, February 9, 3 p.m. Painting with Dinah Maxwell Smith. Ages 16+. $25.

Saturday, February 15, 3 p.m. Painting for kids with Isadora Capraro. Ages 6-13. $20.

Sunday, February 16, 3 p.m. Sculpey minis with Takeover alum Ruby Jackson. All ages. $20.

Fridays, February 28 and March 27, 6 to 8 p.m. Sip and paint with Michael Butler. Ages 21+. $25.

Saturday, February 29, 3 p.m. Sculpting with Miles. Ages 13+. $25.

Saturday, March 7, 3 p.m. Drawing for kids with Jodi Bentivegna. Ages 6-13. $20.

Saturday, March 8, 3 p.m. Painting with Isadora Capraro. Ages 16+. $25.

Saturday, March 14, 3 p.m. Painting with Melinda Hackett. Ages 16+. $25.

Sunday, March 15, 3 p.m. Weaving with Takeover alum Laurie Lambrecht. Ages 16+. $30.

Saturday, March 21, 3 p.m. Drawing with Jodi Bentivegna. Ages 16+. $20.

Saturday, March 22, 3 p.m. Photography/mixed medium with Kerry Sharkey-Miller. Ages 16+. $25.

Saturday, March 28, 3 p.m. Painting outdoors with Esly Escobar. Ages 16+. $25.

Saturday, April 4, 3 p.m. Outdoor experimentation with Franco Cuttica. Ages 16+. $25.

Materials will be provided for all workshops.