Going With the Flow: Four Artists With a Love for the Water Will Be Showcased at the HarborFest Arts and Crafts Fair

Undulating waves. Tall grass blowing in the wind. Pink and orange sun rays. Whales breaching the surface.

The majesty of our marine environment, captured in a single moment, can convey peace, serenity, and wonder at a glance. And while scenes like this are a common sight here on the East End, bringing that splendor into your home or workspace is a rare gift.

At this year’s HarborFest, there’s a chance to experience it firsthand through the lens of artists who’ve captured the region’s natural beauty. According to Marilyn Holstein, chair of the Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce HarborFest Arts and Crafts Fair, the festival is the perfect opportunity to explore these treasures.

Taking place at Sag Harbor Wharf on September 13-14, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, HarborFest also includes an arts and crafts fair a block away at Marine Park, set against a picturesque backdrop of yachts and sapphire-blue water. The setting is ideal for marine art, with live music echoing across the bay and festival-goers enjoying the very best of Sag Harbor.

“The Hamptons is kind of like a magnet for people who love water, and there’s no better way to embrace that love than with a stunning photo from one of these talented photographers,” Holstein said.

These works have become so popular, she added, that even yacht passengers have stepped off their boats to “gobble up handfuls of artwork to bring back and decorate their staterooms.”

Without further ado, meet four standout artists featured at this year’s Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce HarborFest Arts and Crafts Fair:

Richard Speedy

Based:

Outside Hopewell, New Jersey

His style:

For the past eight years, Speedy has focused on a water-themed photography project stretching from Maine to Key West.

“I just gravitated toward the water, and I’ve been shooting it ever since,” he said. “Often people walk into my booth and ask, ‘Are these acrylics or oils?’ I tend to look for abstract elements and detail in the coastline and water.”

He presents his work as dye-sublimated aluminum prints and face-mounted acrylic prints.

What he’ll showcase this year:

Three new photographs, including Atlantic (shot at dawn at Montauk Point), Inverness, and Indian Sundown.

What he hopes you notice:

A sense of calm.

“A person came through my booth at Virginia Bay Beach a few years ago, and after 15 minutes inside, he came out and said, ‘I’m a therapist, and I feel like I just got therapy.’”

His process:

Speedy prefers early morning and evening shoots for the interplay of cool blues and warm tones. He researches and scouts each location, spending several days to capture its unique essence.

“Every place has something interesting and beautiful to offer.”

Years at HarborFest:

About six.

Why he keeps coming back:

“It’s a beautiful location. I love Sag Harbor, and the show brings in buyers who are engaged with the water. My work speaks to them. I’ve built a loyal following — customers bring friends — and it keeps growing.”
See more: richardspeedyphotographer.com | Instagram: @richardspeedyphotography

Alison Stager

Based:

Sag Harbor and Palm Beach, Florida.

Her style:

Large-format seascapes from the Hamptons, Caribbean, Italy, and beyond — showcased in galleries and local shops like Fishers Home Furnishings.

What she’ll showcase this year:

Images from Montauk, East Hampton, Sagaponack, and Sag Harbor — a mix of classic and limited-edition pieces.

What she hopes you notice:

Her deep connection to the East End.

“That’s what draws me in — and being able to share that with others is a priceless gift. I hope the images help preserve the beauty of what we have here and capture moments of stillness or sweetness. I always say, ‘That’s my Hamptons.’”

Her process:

“As crazy as it may sound, there is no process. Nature unfolds in unpredictable ways. When I see something and it speaks to me, that’s the moment I capture.”

Years at HarborFest:

Since 2011.

Why she keeps coming back:

“At first, it was a great opportunity to share my work. Now, it’s just a wonderful tradition. A simple, all-American day in Sag Harbor.”

See more: alisonstager.com | Instagram: @alistagerphotog

Jim Levison

Based:

Sag Harbor

His style:

Fishing photography — especially bass blitzes in Montauk — as well as dramatic land- and seascapes.

What he’ll showcase this year:

“Very dramatic pieces,” including works from 67 Steps Beach in Greenport, Greece, Santorini, and Africa, alongside local water images and his Montauk storm series.

“It’ll be an eclectic booth,” he said.

What he hopes you notice:

The hard work behind every image.

“There’s a difference between good photos and great ones. You can’t settle.”

Now 77, the retired New York City police officer still travels to create and display his work.

His process:

“I’m always looking for drama and beauty — the perfect sunset on the water, a boat crossing the sun, a feeding frenzy, or the fury of a big sea.”

Years at HarborFest:

Since 1999.

Why he keeps coming back:

“You never know who’s going to walk into your booth. I’ve met celebrities like Billy Joel and Chris Cuomo. It draws people from all over.”

See more: jimlevisonphoto.com

Paul Brooke Jr.

Based:

Montauk

His style:

A blend of commercial and fine art photography, focusing on life on the East End. He also works in cyanotype printmaking, using silver salts to create striking blue-toned impressions on materials featuring marine subjects like fish, crustaceans, and seaweed.

“Montauk was a blue-collar fishing and family town when I was growing up. My work is a testament to the fishermen and laborers, past and present, who make this place so special.”

What he’ll showcase this year:

Traditional photography printed on luster paper, framed in white wood with gallery plexiglass. He’ll also bring antique nautical charts reimagined as mixed-media works with acrylic paint and squid ink.

What he hopes you notice:

The emotional or historical significance behind each image.

“When someone who truly understands what they’re looking at walks into my tent and is blown away, it’s a great feeling knowing I captured something words can’t describe.”

His process:

“It’s a lot like surfing or fishing — chasing that perfect moment. Sometimes conditions align for a magical show, even when everything else feels ordinary.”

Years at HarborFest:

This will be his second.

Why he keeps coming back:

“I love the location. The people who live in and visit Sag Harbor are truly wonderful.”
See more: paulbrookejr.com | Instagram: @pbj_images

The HarborFest Arts and Crafts Fair runs September 13–14, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at Marine Park, a short walk from the main action on Sag Harbor Wharf.