Arts Abound This Summer

When it comes to the East End arts scene, by all appearances it would seem that we are largely out of the woods and over the hump in terms of the COVID-19 shutdowns that wreaked havoc among our local nonprofit organizations beginning in 2020.

Honestly, it was a harrowing few years, and we are happy to say that our arts organizations hunkered down, got inventive and in many cases figured out new models designed to keep their heads above water during difficult times.

Mercifully, it seems that the worst is past us, given the amount of traffic and unsavory visitor behavior we have witnessed this summer. Which is why we’d like to remind you that summer isn’t over quite yet. We still have a couple more weeks to enjoy some of the things we just can’t get enough of — the seasonal offerings of our local nonprofit arts and cultural institutions that are making hay while the sun shines.

Options for entertainment on the East End abound right now and are at their peak. One of the perks of living here year round is the joy of frequenting these fine institutions, especially in the waning days of August, when they are at the top of their game.

So we enthusiastically encourage you to do just that, be it theater, music, art or dance.

From Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center and Suffolk Theater to the west, to Southampton Arts Center, Southampton Cultural Center, Southampton African American Museum, Parrish Art Museum and Watermill Center in the middle, to Bay Street Theater and The Church in Sag Harbor, and, farther east, Guild Hall, LTV Studios and the Pollock Krasner House, there is plenty to do, see and hear this summer. To say nothing of the many historical societies and museums peppered throughout the region that are offering their own summer exhibitions right now, along with private galleries always looking to make a splash.

These organizations are the soul of the East End, and though it can sometimes be a challenge to work up the energy to get out and battle the traffic and parking to take advantage of the area’s culture, these organizations still need our support.

So, come on, everyone, let’s go see a show!