Ted Hartley To Be Inducted into Hamptons Artist Hall of Fame, Exhibit at Hamptons Fine Art Fair

Artist Ted Hartley will be inducted into the Hamptons Artist Hall of Fame during the 2025 Hamptons Fine Art Fair, where his work will also be exhibited by the Nicolas Auvray Gallery. Hartley’s paintings will be on view July 10 to 13 at the Hamptons Fine Art Fair which takes place on the Southampton Fairgrounds, with an award ceremony and artist interview scheduled for Saturday, July 12 at 1 p.m.

Known for his expressive and emotionally resonant style, Hartley brings a wide-ranging life experience to his art. A former Olympic wrestling finalist, Navy fighter pilot, Hollywood actor, and CEO of RKO Pictures, Hartley turned to painting later in life as a way to connect with his wife, actress and philanthropist Dina Merrill, during her illness.

His work explores themes of resilience, memory and transformation, with collections ranging from the turbulent “Ukraine Series” to contemplative East Hampton landscapes. The exhibition marks a milestone in Hartley’s creative evolution, which he describes as driven by a desire to capture emotion and energy on the canvas.

“Each stroke, each layer, is a moment of feeling,” said gallery founder Nicolas Auvray. “Ted paints not with thought, but with the action of painting.”

Hartley joins a roster of Hall of Fame inductees that includes Herman Cherry, Connie Fox, William King, Elizabeth Strong-Cuevas and Amy Zerner. The honor, presented annually at the fair, celebrates artists with deep ties to the East End and significant contributions to the region’s creative culture.

Presented in a 70,000-square-foot pavilion on 17 acres, the Hamptons Fine Art Fair begins with a VIP opening on Thursday, July 10, and a VIP “First-Look” preview from noon to 5 p.m. benefitting Guild Hall followed by a VIP Opening Preview Evening from 5 to 9:30 p.m. benefitting Parrish Art Museum. A VIP Collectors Day Opening follows on Friday, July 11, with an early session from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a late session 4 to 7 p.m. General admission is Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13. The award ceremony and artist interview with Ted Hartley will be Saturday, July 12, 1 p.m.

Southampton Fairgrounds is at 605 County Road 39, Southampton. For more information, visit hamptonsfineartfair.com.