Warriors Rock, a musical tribute to veterans, active military, and first responders, will be presented at Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center this Friday night, November 10^th at 7:00 p.m.

The musical boasts an unmatched night of classics in this revival that celebrates our nation’s patriotism. The music in the show will be performed by the founder of Warriors Rock, Gary Racan, who is also the former lead singer of the Vogues, and he will have his studio e band joining him for the presentation with an intentional and captivating setlist. 

The true rockstars and the focus of the night, however, will be the local veterans who are invited to take the stage. A backdrop will show pre-recorded interviews of these featured veterans throughout the concert that creates a well-thought-out final product fusing live and recorded material in this production.

Each of the veteran spotlights that will be shown on the screen ends with a statement from the veteran discussing a song that most reminded them of home when they were deployed. The band then dives into that mentioned song, all of which are wide-ranging and unique to the individual and their experience. The band hits all the emotions and notes to produce the ultimate sensory experience while honoring these warriors.

The musical finishes by bringing veterans and active military to the front of the stage and revering them with a special rendition of “God Bless the USA.” Ending the night on this note reminds the audience and our community about the great sacrifices made among veterans, active military, and first responders in this country. It is sure to be an evening full of sentiments that can bring everyone together through the healing powers of music, performed in a way that unites the crowd as they honor those deserving of this tribute.

Proceeds from Warriors Rock are donated to the Westhampton Beach VFW Post 5350, Hampton Bays American Legion Hand-Aldrich Post 924, and the Westhampton American Legion Post 834. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://whbpac.org/event/warriors-rock-2/.

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On Friday, October 27^th, Canoe Place Inn & Cottages in Hampton Bays hosted “A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics” presented by Fever’s Candlelight Concerts. Those in attendance were invited into an intimate seating space where hundreds of tealight and flameless candles adorned the room surrounding the perimeter and stage, along with spiderweb décor, and a simultaneous eerie and cozy ambiance.

The bar served beer, wine, and a couple holiday-themed cocktails as ushers attentively helped guests locate their sections and seating. As guests awaited the performers, the mood was set with music aligned with the Halloween season from the likes of Radiohead, Evanescence, Misfits, and other haunting melodies.

The performance from the Highline String Quartet started promptly at 9:00 p.m. as the young and talented artists took the stage, beginning the evening with a rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” The Highline String Quartet is a group of four musicians based out of Manhattan, performing shows across New York and Long Island, one of which is their events through Fever’s Candlelight Concerts. They performed well over 100 shows throughout the year, noting how much they love to take the stage and that no one performance is ever exactly the same as they take in the energy of each unique audience, channeling this through their live playing.

The artists, consisting of two violinists, a violist, and a cellist took turns introducing their favorite songs and themes of the evening and speaking about their background and affiliation with the music. Their passion for the music and attention to detail was evident as they went on to perform classics from the horror and Halloween world like the theme from The Exorcist, “Tubular Bells,” by Mike Oldfield, the Stranger Things theme by S U R V I V E, Danny Elfman’s Beetlejuice theme, as well as a medley from The Nightmare Before Christmas by Elfman.

The quartet involved the crowd with their rendition of Ghostbusters by Ray Parker Jr., queuing them to sing along to the ever-popular verse “Ghostbusters!” Other haunting numbers included the prelude to Psycho by Bernard Herrmann, The Addams Family theme by Mic Vizzy, and of course, a Halloween-themed evening of chamber music wouldn’t have been complete without John Carpenter’s Halloween theme song. Other terrifying, ominous, and fan favorites were executed with precision and an engaging stage presence throughout the evening by the quartet.

After the hour-long performance, they ended with an encore, which their program director and violinist touted as the “greatest theme song of all-time in his opinion,” which was Hedwig’s Theme (theme from Harry Potter) by John Williams.

The Highline String Quartet certainly brought the spirit of Halloween alive and had viewers riveted and ready to embrace the remainder of this spooky season. It was the perfect event to kick off Halloween weekend, capturing all the sensory, ominous vibes.

Candlelight Concerts presented by Fever take place throughout the year, all with different themes and to suit holiday seasons. Next up for Candlelight Concerts at Canoe Place Inn & Cottages will be “The Best of Hans Zimmer” and “A Tribute to ABBA” both in different time slots on November 17^th, “Holiday Special featuring ‘The Nutcracker’” on December 15^th, and many other specials across New York and Long Island.

For more information about upcoming events, visit https://candlelightexperience.com.

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Joey Wölffer has become an icon in the Hamptons for her fashion brand, her role in the operations of the family vineyard Wölffer Estate, and overall integrating herself fully with the community on the East End.

She has been part of many endeavors from her work starting the Styleliner Truck and evolving into a full-blown fashion boutique with physical locations, her integral role with Wölffer Estate Vineyard, which is deeply rooted in her family’s history, Wölffer Estate Stables, the Wine Stand, and all things Hamptons.

Joey spoke more about her background, what led to her creation of the brand, and how her environment and location growing up on the East End has inspired and influenced her along the way.

What is the Joey Wölffer brand all about?

 
JW: We’re about being authentic! We don’t buy deeply into collections because we want people to feel special in the pieces they find. Many of the designers in our store are unique and even the more well-known designers are not highly distributed. We want our customers to feel that they too have discovered something new! We incorporate vintage along with our own collection as well as other collections. There is nothing more gratifying than having a customer leave feeling good about herself and having discovered something really unique and special!

How did you get your start in the industry? Can you talk a bit about your background?

JW: I graduated from Vanderbilt in 2004 and had no clue what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Wanting to live abroad and escape a bad boyfriend, I decided to live in London where my mother is from. I got an internship with a family friend at her jewelry company where I worked three days a week and within a month, she had fired her designer and hired me full time. It was such a fun job that allowed me to work with different brands like Topshop, Jigsaw, Miss Selfridge, and Urban Outfitters to create special jewelry lines for their stores. Not long after, I moved back to NYC to do more design, production and merchandising for a company called Accessory Network. After that I worked as a jewelry designer for the Jones Group, specifically Nine West, where I learned the ins and outs of the corporate fashion world!

What led you to pursuing the launch of your fashion brand?

JW: I was never meant for the corporate world. My father was always an entrepreneur and I loved his ability to create something out of nothing. I started the Styleliner in 2010 because I wanted something of my own. My vision and my love for finds & fashion in a way no one else had done before. The truck concept came to me, and I knew I had to pursue it. From the Styleliner came our shop and then our Reworked by Joey Wölffer line of upcycled garments. The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to waste in landfills and I knew I had to do something (even small) about it. All our designs are made up of upcycled fabrics and produced by hand in NYC. We really work hard to find sustainable and ethical brands to work with as well.

Can you discuss how the brand has grown over the years from beginning as the Styleliner Truck to where it is now?

JW: The brand is ever evolving. After years of being on the road in the Styleliner, I was pregnant and really wanted a place in my hometown, Sag Harbor. We opened our first space in Sabina Streeter’s studio on Madison Street, and just recently moved into our third Sag Harbor location. The growth and evolution of the brand is thanks to my amazing team & loyal, loving customers who make this all possible.

What sets Joey Wölffer apart from other fashion brands, and furthermore, from other fashion brands in the Hamptons?

JW: What sets us apart is our ability to be exactly who we are. We don’t stray away from what we as individuals love and you can see it in all the pieces we curate for the customer. As a brand we are constantly evolving and changing as I evolve and change. We constantly pivot in small ways while still staying true to who I am as a person. We strive for individuality and want our customers to leave feeling exactly like themselves and not trendy.

Do you have a favorite type of clothing, jewelry, or accessories to create and/or wear?

JW: I like mixing old with new and higher end with low end pieces. I don’t follow trends. I feel best in colorful prints and bold jewelry!

How does your experience with the fashion brand differ from that of the vineyard and your other operations?

JW: My experience with the fashion brand is actually quite distinct from my involvement in the vineyard. While the vineyard is deeply rooted in my family’s tradition and my father’s legacy, my fashion career allowed me to explore my very own creative and entrepreneurial side. The Styleliner, a mobile fashion boutique, involved curating a unique collection of global fashion and accessories, creating a distinct brand image, and embracing a nomadic retail concept. I like that my work in fashion and the creative field allows me to bring my knowledge of trends and the luxury market to my role as the Chief Brand Officer at Wölffer!

How do you juggle your responsibilities with the Wölffer Estate Vineyard and the Joey Wölffer brand, along with all your other endeavors?

JW: I’ve always said that I’m at my best when I’m doing the most. My days are busy and sometimes chaotic, but I like it that way! I tend to thrive in chaos and always find a way to make it work.

What is the most rewarding aspect about your work in any field? Do you have a favorite accomplishment to-date?

JW: I love working with my teams in all my businesses. I see how much progress and success comes from great teamwork. I am more inspired and tend to have better ideas because of the people around me. I think Summer in a Bottle is one of my favorite accomplishments that WE at Wölffer have achieved. It really put this winery on a map, a dream that my father couldn’t have even imagined would come true. I am proud of building my truck. I have never worked harder in my life, BUT I learned so much during those years and it has given me the work ethic that I have now!

What are your favorite pastimes on the East End? 

JW: I feel so lucky to live here and be a part of this community. My favorite things to do: go to the beach with my family, ride at Wölffer Estate Stables, go to the Wine Stand, weekend museum outings at the Parrish, and dinners with friends at home! 

Does your location influence your designs or concepts?

JW: Yes, of course! The Hamptons, as you know, is one of a kind. A place where you can go to dinner in your sarong or heels and still feel comfortable. We love pieces that are wearable but comfortable and multi purpose. For example, our classic reworked dresses are 100% deadstock cottons. You can throw it over your swimsuit and run errands or add a wedged shoe and wear it out to dinner. We’re influenced by the creative spirit the Hamptons has and all the amazing artists and creatives we’re surrounded by.

To learn more about Joey Wölffer and her brand and endeavors, visit Joeywolffer.com.

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This Sunday, October 29^th, The Perlman Music Program will present their annual Alumni Retreat Chamber Music Concert. This program invites sixteen PMP graduates back to Shelter Island for five days of chamber music study, with a focus on community performance practices. Located at 73 Shore Road in Shelter Island Heights, The Perlman Music Program invites everyone out to enjoy this free-of-admission public concert on Sunday evening at 4:30 p.m.

The Perlman Music Program was established by Toby Perlman in 1994 for aspiring young violinists, violists, cellists, bassists, and pianists. The program is situated on Shelter Island, overseeing Crescent Beach, and sits among twenty-eight acres, creating the perfect setting for students to hone their craft and become part of a lasting community of likeminded artists.

PMP offers a vast curriculum of programs, mentorships, concerts, residencies, and other educational engagement throughout the year. At The Perlman Music Program they say, “The most promising young musicians from across the world have a platform to thrive, make music together, challenge each other, form life-long bonds, and transform their potential into a life-changing reality.” And the sixteen participants in this Sunday’s Alumni Retreat Concert will be showcasing these values.

For the past few days, throughout the retreat, the participants have worked on developing educational presentations for the young audiences at East End schools that will be taking place at Shelter Island School, Greenport School, Southold High School, and Westhampton Beach Middle School on Monday, October 30th.

For the performance open to the public on Sunday, the sixteen participants will be grouped into four quartets, each performing selections from chamber music masterworks. PMP says that attendees can expect to hear works by Haydn, Mozart, Brahms, Dvorak, Schubert, and Ravel during this evening of brilliantly crafted chamber music.

The sixteen participating artists have shared a bit about their backgrounds. They are excited for this upcoming performance on Shelter Island and to showcase their work. For more information, and to RSVP to the event, visit https://www.perlmanmusicprogram.org.

Meet the Artists:

K.J. McDonald

Boston, MA

K.J. McDonald, violin received his B.M. and M.M. with Itzhak Perlman and Catherine Cho at the Juilliard School, where he received a Kovner Fellowship (a full ride scholarship only awarded to a select few students). He currently studies with Donald Weilerstein at the New England Conservatory with the Dean’s scholarship. He has worked with composers Steve Reich, Thomas Ades, Alvin Singleton, Kaija Saariaho, Tan Dun, and John Adams, and regularly premieres and commissions music from upcoming composers in venues such as Alice Tully Hall. KJ McDonald has founded several string quartets and piano trios, and has worked with both present and past members of the Juilliard string quartet, members of the Cleveland Quartet, Joseph Kalichstein, Merry Peckham, and Kirsten Docter. KJ has a passion for pedagogy and has traveled the world teaching underprivileged children, including in Sal Paolo, Brazil. He has attended the Perlman Music Program, Yellow Barn, Lucerne, and IMS Prussia Cove music festivals.

Tong Chen

Centereach, NY

Shanghai-born violinist Tong Chen is an avid soloist whose love lies in chamber music. This has taken him to music festivals including Verbier Music Festival, Four Seasons Chamber Music Winter Workshop, International Musicians Seminar at Prussia Cove, Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, and the Perlman Music Program. Tong has been blessed to have performed with inspiring musicians including Ida Kavafian, Colin Carr, Paul Biss, Areta Zhulla, and Vivian Weilerstein. Chen received BM, MM, and Graduate Diploma from the New England Conservatory under Miriam Fried, Paul Biss, and Donald Weilerstein. He is now pursuing his doctoral studies at Stony Brook University.

Isabella Bignasca

New York, NY

Violist Isabella Bignasca, from Sydney, Australia, is a thoughtful and expressive performer with a passion for chamber music and community engagement. She is a 2023-25 fellow in Ensemble Connect at Carnegie Hall and completed her master’s degree under the tutelage of Paul Neubauer and Heidi Castleman at The Juilliard School, where she also completed her undergraduate studies. International festival appearances include the Verbier Festival Academy, Perlman Music Program Chamber Music Workshop, Music Academy of the West, Kneisel Hall Chamber Music Festival, Aspen Music Festival and School, and the Heifetz International Music Institute where she was also a part of Heifetz on Tour.

Camden Archambeau

Cambridge, MA

Camden M. Archambeau is a cellist and conductor based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He studied History and German and cello performance in the Harvard–New England Conservatory Dual Degree program. This year he is serving as Artist-in-Residence in Lowell House at Harvard University. Camden has served as Principal Cellist of the New York String Orchestra, Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival Orchestra, Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra, Juilliard Pre-College Orchestra, and New York Youth Symphony. He has completed residencies at the Stauffer Center in Cremona, Italy, studying with the Quartetto di Cremona and Antonio Meneses. In the summers, Camden attended festivals including the Perlman Chamber Music Workshop, Meadowmount School of Music, and Bowdoin International Music Festival. He received Honorable Mention in the Harvard Yannatos Concerto Competition, First Prize in the NFMC Cox String Award, and was a National YoungArts winner. For his work as a cellist and conductor, he received the Robert Levin Prize for Musical Performance from Harvard College. He has studied with Paul Katz, Hans Jensen, Sieun Lin and David Finckel. Camden served as the Music Director of the Harvard Bach Society Orchestra, Assistant Conductor and Vice President of the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra under Federico Cortese. He works with Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras as a conductor and chamber music coach.

Daniel Dastoor

San Francisco, CA

Canadian violinist Daniel Dastoor studies with Ian Swensen at the San Francisco Conservatory, pursuing an Artist Diploma in Chamber Music. A native of Montreal, Daniel is a winner of the Sylva Gelber Award, the Calgary Philharmonic’s Marley Rynd Prize, and won first and second prize at the Fontainebleau Festival’s Prix Ravel. He has performed as soloist with the Calgary Philharmonic and the Lethbridge Symphony. A passionate chamber musician, Daniel won first prize at the Trondheim International Chamber Competition as part of the Rilian Trio. He has participated in the IMS Prussia Cove Masterclasses, Bowdoin Fellowship Program, Kneisel Hall, NAC Young Artist, Banff Centre, and Lunenburg Academy festivals. Daniel performs on the 1700 Taft Stradivari violin, on loan by the Canada Council for the Arts Musical Instrument Bank.

Clara Neubauer

New York, NY

Praised for her “seductive artistry” and “rare grace” (Classical Voice North America), violinist Clara Neubauer is a recent recipient of the Ana Chumachenko Award from the Kronberg Academy and the Peter Mennin Prize from The Juilliard School. Clara has appeared at festivals including the Ravinia Festival, Bravo! Vail, Taos School of Music, Music@Menlo, Four Seasons, Music From Angel Fire, and Olympic Music Festival, and as soloist with orchestras including the Symphony of Westchester, the National Repertory Orchestra, the New York Concerti Sinfonietta, the Little Orchestra Society, Ensemble 212, and the Württemberg Chamber Orchestra Heilbronn. Clara received her Bachelor of Music degree from The Juilliard School as a recipient of the Kovner Fellowship, studying with Li Lin and Itzhak Perlman.

Annie Hyung

Boston, MA

Korean-American cellist Annie Hyung has performed internationally as a soloist and ensemble musician at venues including Walt Disney Concert Hall, Carnegie Hall, Beijing’s National Centre for the Performing Arts, and Taipei’s National Performing Arts Center. She most treasures the human connections built through music, and has performed at festivals such as Kronberg Academy’s Chamber Music Connects the World, Perlman Music Program, and the Taos School of Music. She currently studies with Laurence Lesser at the New England Conservatory of Music; previous mentors include Hans Jorgen Jensen and Sarah Koo Freeman.

Ayano Nakamura

New Haven, CT

Originally from Hudson, Ohio, Ayano Nakamura is currently earning a master’s degree at the Yale School of Music where she studies with Ettore Causa. She recently received a bachelor’s degree from the New England Conservatory, studying with Martha Katz and Mai Motobuchi. She has attended the Perlman Music Program Chamber Music Workshop and Kneisel Hall Young Artist Chamber Music Program among others, and has recently performed with A Far Cry Chamber Ensemble and Nobuko Imai’s celebration concert in Japan.

Sterling Elliot

Newport News, VA

Cellist Sterling Elliott is a 2021 Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient and the winner of the Senior Division 2019 National Sphinx Competition. He has appeared with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the Detroit Symphony. In his spare time, Sterling enjoys wrenching on cars at his home garage in Virginia. Sterling is pursuing an Artist Diploma at The Juilliard School studying with Joel Krosnick and Clara Kim. He performs on a 1741 Gennaro Gagliano cello on loan through the Robert F. Smith Fine String Patron Program, in partnership with the Sphinx Organization.

Wenqi Ke

Los Angeles, CA

Wenqi Ke, 24, born in China, is pursuing her Master of Music degree at the Colburn Conservatory of Music, where she studies with Robert Lipsett. She was the first prize recipient at the 2014 Hong Kong International String Competition, and was awarded a scholarship from the Shanghai City Government. Ms. Ke appeared as a soloist with the Shanghai Chamber Orchestra and the Colburn Orchestra. She has served as Assistant Principal Second Violin of the American Youth Symphony Assistant Concertmaster of the Seiji Ozawa Music Festival, Assistant Concertmaster of the New York String Orchestra Seminar, Concertmaster of Music Academy of the West and Principal of the Colburn Orchestra. In 2021 She won the London Symphony’ Keston Max audition and has performed in the assistant concertmaster chair under Simon Rattle with the London Symphony Orchestra.

Cassia Drake

New Haven, CT

Cassia Drake, a native to Southwest Florida, made her debut with the Artis-Naples Philharmonic at the age of 14 and has since appeared as soloist with the Sarasota Music Festival Orchestra, Colburn Orchestra, and the Bravo Summer Music Festival, among others. She has won top prizes in competitions throughout the world, such as National YoungArts Foundation, Berlin Philharmonie Competition and has toured throughout North America, the Middle East, and Europe giving recitals and masterclasses. As an avid chamber musician, she has collaborated with quartet members of the Tokyo, Calidore, Aviv, and Vermeer quartet as well as chamber festivals such as the Mainly Mozart Chamber Festival, Ojai New Music Festival, and the Reno Chamber Music Festival. Cassia Drake is pursuing a Master of Musical Arts degree at the Yale School of Music, studying with Ettore Causa. Previously, she studied at the Colburn Conservatory where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees under the tutelage of Paul Coletti and Yura Lee.

Ria Honda

New Haven, CT

Twenty-three-year-old Japanese-American violinist, Ria Honda, was recently named a 2022 Rohm Music Foundation Scholarship recipient. She was awarded the fourth prize at the 2021 Klein International Competition. She has been featured on WFMT’s Introductions, NPR’s “From the Top,” “Heifetz on Tour,” the Evermay Concert Series in Washington D.C., the Dame Myra Hess Recital series, and has performed with the Seattle Symphony, Cascade Symphony Orchestra, and the Oistrakh Symphony, among others. A passionate chamber musician, Ria has been a first prize winner in the M-Prize International Chamber Music Competition and has received the silver medal at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. She has a B.A. from Columbia University, an M.M. from the Juilliard School, and is currently continuing her studies at Yale School of Music.

KayCee Galano

Cincinnati, OH

Kristine Clair “KayCee” Uchi Galano has established herself as one of the leading young violinists of her generation. Highlights of KayCee Galano’s 2021/22 season include  winning first prize at the 2021 Mary Lane Memorial Violin Competition and participating at the 2021 Shanghai Isaac Stern International Violin Competition and 2022 Internatiomal Violin Competition of Indianapolis. KayCee made her Carnegie Hall debut on October, 2019, performing all 6 Bach solo sonatas. In 2018, she was invited to perform the Bruch Violin Concerto with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra in her native country, the Philippines. She was featured on National Public Radio’s “From The Top” with Christopher O’Riley at age 12. At age 14, she toured the USA with pianist Rohan DeSilva and China with the Starling Chamber Orchestra. An avid chamber musician, KayCee Galano spends her summers at the Perlman Music Program, Kneisel Hall, and Bowdoin Music Festival. Ms. Galano studies at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music with Kurt Sassmannshaus.

Joseph Skerik

Interlochen, MI

Born in 1999 and raised in Michigan, Joseph Skerik is the newly appointed violist of the Vega String Quartet, where he is an artist and faculty member in residence at Emory University and the Emory Chamber Music Society of Atlanta. He has performed at festivals such as the Ravinia Institute, Vivace Music Foundation, Heifetz Hear and Now Series, Highlands-Cashiers Festival, Perlman Music Program, Aspen Music Festival, and the Lake George Music Festival, and his chamber music performances include concerts with musicians such as Ani Kavafian, Ilya Kaler, Jaime Laredo, Erin Keefe, Colin Carr, Margaret Batjer, and Edward Aaron. Joseph is a Young Arts Merit Violist, a prize-winner at the American Viola Society Competition and at the 4th Oskar Nedbal Viola Competition in Prague. This season’s performances include collaborations with the Juilliard Quartet, Ransom Wilson and Zuill Bailey. He is the co-founder of Viridian Strings, a summer chamber music series in Northwest Lower Michigan.

Dilshod Narzillaev

Boston, MA

In the fall of 2021, Narzillaev performed Martinu’s string sextet with members of the Borromeo String Quartet as part of the Borromeo Guest Artist Award at NEC. In May of 2022, Narzillaev made two main debuts with the Boston Pops Orchestra in Symphony Hall and the State Orchestra of Uzbekistan in the Grand Hall of Tashkent Conservatory. Narzillaev was a featured artist at the iPALPITI festival in Los Angeles this past summer. He also attended the Kronberg Festival and played public masterclasses with Frans Helmerson in the fall at Kronberg Academy. He spent his 2023 summer at the Perlman Music Program Workshop, and Sitka Cello Seminar and he was a guest Artist and Junior faculty at the Vivace Music Festival.

Angie Zhang

Ann Arbor, MI

Praised as “warmly expressive, sensitive, and polished” and “a valuable advocate for classical music” by New York Concert Review, American pianist Angie Zhang is committed to showcasing the modern piano, fortepiano, and harpsichord as solo and collaborative instruments in impactful and awe-inspiring ways. Recently named Third Prize at the Chopin International Competition on Period Instruments in Warsaw, she is internationally sought after as a soloist and chamber musician. Angie has been invited by concert presenters at Lincoln Center, La Jolla Music Society, Bravo! Vail, Tippet Rise Art Center, Sarasota Music Festival, Perlman Music Program, Explorers Club, American Liszt Society, and

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Toccin is a lifestyle fashion brand started by the husband and wife duo, Michael and Alex Toccin, in 2019. Since they launched the brand, it has grown considerably as they add more and more to their line and collections each year with the support of their engaged fashion community in NYC, the Hamptons, and beyond.

Their mission is simple: to create clothing that helps women feel confident and stylish, while maintaining the importance of comfort when life is busy. With their brand-new fall collection out, there is no shortage of trendy essentials for sweater weather and jacket season. The couple spoke more about the mission behind Toccin, what sets their brand apart, especially in the Hamptons, and what they are looking forward to as they continue to grow.

What is the Toccin brand all about?

Michael: TOCCIN, with a simple mission of creating fashion that would make women feel comfortable, confident, and stylish, and their collection of luxe cool staples—including everything from their signature dresses to streamlined knitwear and specialty statement pieces—does just that.

How did you each get your start in this industry? 

Michael: We met as college freshmen and have been bringing out the best in each other since. After moving to New York and establishing ourselves individually in the fashion industry. I worked with Oscar de la Renta, Zac Posen, and KaufmanFranco, while Alex honed her press + marketing skills at fashion industry mainstays like Ralph Lauren and Theory—we decided to build our own digital hub giving women a place to discover and discuss trends and fashion in an approachable, authentic way.

What led you to pursue the launch of the Toccin brand together?

Michael: Our hyper-engaged community, @alexandmichaeltoccin, inspired our first collection, Toccin. Since the first season, Toccin has evolved from classic-meets-current dresses + jackets to a fully developed lifestyle collection, including everything from rich knitwear to skirts, trousers, and perfect tees, tanks, and blouses. Each piece is wear-tested by Alex to ensure it feels as good as it looks and is in line with our signature put-together aesthetic. Being full-time parents and entrepreneurs means every day is different—and we enjoy sharing a look into what our life is really like through our personal channel, @alexandmichaeltoccin.  

What is your creative process like when you come up with new ideas, designs, etc.?

Michael: I get inspired by all the women around me and from all the amazing women I see on social media. We design clothes for everyday women on the go so it’s important to get inspiration from those around you. They are who inspire me each and every day and push us to create clothing that make you feel comfortable, confident, and stylish! 

Do you have any favorite projects or pieces you have worked on over the years that have stood out?

Alex: When we launched Toccin in September 2019, we were strictly focused on woven dresses and jackets. It has been so exciting for me to watch our Toccin collection expand over the past four years into so many more categories including knitwear (my favorite), blazers and jackets, and tee shirts. 

What is the most rewarding aspect about being in this industry, and do you a favorite accomplishment to-date?

Alex: The most rewarding accomplishment to-date is seeing and hearing from your customers about how much they love the products that we are designing and creating. We strive to have women feel their best in what they are wearing every single day. 

What sets Toccin apart from other fashion brands, and furthermore, from other fashion brands in the Hamptons?

Michael: In the Hamptons you generally see a lot of florals and bohemian dresses. The aesthetic of the TOCCIN brand embodies clean lines and intriguing details that add that extra touch of flair to your look—because, after all, it’s all about the details!

How would you describe the style of Toccin fashion?

Michael: Toccin creates timeless clothing which allows you to wardrobe yourself from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM! Our clothing has a contemporary aesthetic which is tailored and polished. 

Do you have a favorite type of clothing or look to create and/or wear?

Alex: I love a great knit set, either a tank and cardigan or a knit dress with a matching topper. I am also really excited about all of the new Toccin pieces coming out for the fall, including amazing cardigans, new tee shirts, and really fun and fashionable jackets. 

Do you have any favorite pastimes on the East End? 

Michael: When we go to the Hamptons it is all about relaxation and spending quality time with family and friends! Our kids love playing in our backyard, beach days, and boat rides. We love shopping, going out to dinner, and going to the beach. 

What’s your affiliation with the East End?

Alex: We are primarily based in NYC, but we also have a home in Southampton, and the Hamptons hold a special place in our hearts. Our home was carefully curated by us in conjunction with our interior designer, Hilary Matt Interiors.

Does your location influence your designs?

Alex: Absolutely, we are always dressing for the location and the occasion. We are all about being Styled to a T and it truly makes you feel confident in what you are wearing.

For more information and to check out some of Toccin’s stylish, sophisticated, and cozy collections, including their new fall collection, visit https://toccin.com.

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The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center will be hosting a premiere of the film Love…Reconsidered on Saturday, September 30^th at 7:00 p.m. in the Mollie Parnis Auditorium. This is the charming romantic comedy starring Sophie von Haselberg, Judy Gold, Marisa Ryan, Elaine Bromka, Luke Gulbranson, and Colton Haynes, set between New York City and Southampton.

Love…Reconsidered is based on Arielle Haller-Silverstone’s true love/life story, and she wrote the screenplay after losing her job during the pandemic where she then moved to the Hamptons. Haller-Silverstone is the co-owner of Le Closet, a curated consignment store, with locations in Southampton and New York City, and she can’t wait to premiere this film at WHBPAC and connect with viewers.

The screening will also include a panel discussion with the filmmakers moderated by Kate Schumacher and Carinn Jade of the well-known podcast Pop Fiction Women. They will dive into the film’s characters and the complicated lives they lead, along with the filmmaking process that brought this movie to life on the screen. Arielle Haller-Silverstone spoke more about her inspiration for the screenplay, her background, and what she is most looking forward to for the screening.

Congratulations on your film Love…Reconsidered. Can you talk about the story behind this film and where your inspiration came from to write the screenplay? 

Arielle Haller-Silverstone: I lost my job during COVID and started Le Closet from my studio apartment in Hell’s Kitchen. On a total whim, my dad knew a broker that knew a broker in Southampton, and I decided to give it a shot. I schlepped all of the clothes from NYC and opened on Windmill Lane (where the store still is today!). I knew there was a script within this story and had to make a movie. 

Can you tell us a bit about your background?

Arielle Haller-Silverstone: I was an actress in the city for about a decade and made a short in 2018. I loved acting, and always will, but I really got the producing bug. I knew I wanted to continue to produce, but also realized I needed a survival job. To make ends meet, I worked as a voice and speech coach for executives, but when COVID hit, everything changed. After I opened the store, I really wanted to get back into my other passion: making movies. 

What would you say is the main message or theme in Love…Reconsidered?

Arielle Haller-Silverstone: I think the most important message is finding truth; in life, in love, in work. My therapist, Ilene Fishman, wrote an incredible book called The Deeper Fix about discovering one’s authenticity. Our work transformed my life, and I wanted to use a comedic lens in exploring that story with an audience. 

What was the process like to produce the film and see the story come to life?

Arielle Haller-Silverstone: It is the coolest. And, the hardest. I am very lucky to have an amazing EP, Ian Stone, who has supported this project from day one. He and his wife, Allison, were so hands on, so helpful, and so generous. Without them, this movie would not have happened. My producing partner, SJ Allocco, is also a league above the rest, and we had the best team. I am beyond appreciative of everyone who worked on this film. 

Are there any writers, filmmakers, or other creatives who have influenced you?

Arielle Haller-Silverstone: Where to start!!! Gillian Robespierre, Greta Gerwig, Lena Dunham, just to name a few. Those are definitely my top three. I am obsessed with their work. 

Does your location influence your writing and the stories you come up with in a significant way?

Arielle Haller-Silverstone: Absolutely. We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, and I love having the Hamptons as our backdrop. I also have to say, I feel like I’m able to breathe here in a way that I could not in the city. It definitely helps my creativity. 

What are you most looking forward to about the screening premiere of Love…Reconsidered at WHBPAC?

Arielle Haller-Silverstone: Screening with the Hamptons audience! I can’t wait to see it with our local community. So exciting. 

Has the process leading up to the premiere been anything like you thought it would?

Arielle Haller-Silverstone: It’s been beyond my wildest imagination. After the premiere in September, we’ll hit theaters in February. Insane. I could never even imagine seeing my work on the big screen, let alone in theaters around the world. 

What can viewers expect?

 Arielle Haller-Silverstone: A lot of laughs, a lot of love, and a lot of fun. 

What’s your favorite pastime on the East End?

Arielle Haller-Silverstone: Is it cliche to say the beach? Probably. But, the beach. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Arielle Haller-Silverstone: First, thank you for reading and for supporting the film! We’ll see you in theaters on Valentine’s Day, in addition to streaming platforms. SJ and I also have exciting projects in the works, so stay tuned for some fun stuff coming up. Lastly, Le Closet is open year-round in both Southampton and in NYC on Lex b/w 73rd and 74th; we would love to see you!

Head out to Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center for a night of laughs and love this Saturday with Love…Reconsidered. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://whbpac.org/event/love-reconsidered/.

The post Special Screening of Love…Reconsidered, A Hamptons-Based Romantic Comedy appeared first on Hamptons.com.

The East Hampton-based artist Hiroyuki Hamada has created a site-specific outdoor sculptural installation at the South Fork Natural History Museum located at 377 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike in Bridgehampton. The exhibition, Matter on the Ground, was put together by the artist for the Parrish Road Show. This is the Parrish Art Museum’s offsite exhibition series now in its 12^th season, and they are excited to feature the three large-scale sculptures by Hamada whose work is known for exploring the parallels between nature and art.

The installation opened on September 9^th and will be on-view daily through October 10, 2023 at the South Fork Natural History Museum. Hiroyuki will be doing an artist talk at the Parrish Art Museum on September 29^th at 6:00 p.m. where those in attendance can learn more about his process and his work. He spoke more about his background, what drew him to this medium, and his influences and inspiration.

How did you get your start in the arts and what drew you to this medium?

HH: I used to be a child who didn’t mind getting stuck in my room making things or drawing for hours. But all that went out the door when I became a teenager. It was hard for me to face what the world is really made of. I was angry and very frustrated. That was when I was still living in Japan. Then my father’s job took our family to the US. I learned English and started to take classes at a nearby community college where I met an art teacher, Karl Jacobson, who showed me what art can do. It was shocking. I didn’t grow up looking at art at all so I simply didn’t know visual art could do what music or books could do. I was blown away and I was immediately hooked.

Did you have any early influences in your career?

HH: Well, everything sort of happened very quick for me. I got obsessed with art after my experience at the community college. I spent almost all of my waking hours making something.  Within a few years I was in a graduate program doing the same thing.  So I didn’t know much about “art world” early on.  I think I learned from other students (graduate and undergraduate) about famous artists I should have known—like Rauschenberg, Jasper Jones, Eva Hesse, Tapies, Louise Bourgeois, and so on. I remember the impact of seeing Jackson Pollock for the first time at MoMA, just being overwhelmed with emotion, tears coming out of my eyes.

How would you describe your style?

HH: That’s a tough question for someone who is actually in the middle of making. It reflects my decades long pursuit in my studio and my personal history of art making in general. I rely on forms as opposed to subject matters. I try to emphasize simplicity but beneath that there are many layers of contradiction and depth. In short, I guess I’m into the visceral impact. It’s not too much about tools of expression, narratives, themes, and so on. I started all this when I was hooked on the mysterious quality of visual elements—just simple marks on pieces of paper, for example—having a power to move me. But of course, we live in the physical world with real materials, history and networks of human relations, natural phenomenon, and so on. Needless to say, I have to work with real situations with real materials within their contexts. So I’ve struggled in my studio in my own ways, and one thing led to another, and I came to do what I do. So I assume I can sort of describe my style relative to what other artists do perhaps, but that doesn’t really point to the essence of it I’m afraid.

Do you have favorite subject matter to explore in your work?

HH: I’m interested in this strange quality that transcends our positions in the given social formation. When I first saw my community college teacher’s paintings and drawings, I understood the visual language without sharing the culture, social norms, beliefs, and values. So that is still the thing I am after.

Where do you find inspiration?

HH: Well, you work in your studio all the time for a long period of time and you are constantly surprised by what you observe there. So I am sure I get inspired by my daily life, what other artists do, but the primary inspiration comes from the momentum of my practice.

How were you able to cultivate your own unique style over the years?

HH: I’m interested in the fact that within what you do in your studio, you come up with your own ways of relating things. When materials react with each other and form dynamics, that’s not subjected to social imperatives, which skew relations one way or the other in our daily lives. I feel connected to something bigger than the social conditionings we are subjected to 24/7. There is an inherent power in art that’s not bound by the structural mechanism of our society. It has potential to speak beyond the walls of class, nationality, gender, and so on. In essence, this is the major motivating factor for me. So for me it’s been existential to make things. It makes me feel alive. That keeps me going.

Is your art a form of self-expression? 

HH: It is and it is not because it is undoubtedly me who’s engaging in the making process, but at the same time it is about how things are in general. I’m really passive in my studio. I listen to what elements are doing and I sort of manage things so that the dynamics come to resonate with me in meaningful ways. In a way, I’m just letting things happen.

What are you most looking forward to about the exhibition Matter on the Ground? 

HH: Well, I’ve been working on the pieces for a while and I’m really happy how they turned out so it is exciting to share the work with those who would be interested. I think we are social beings and we share our perceptions as a collective, and that’s a good feeling.

What do you hope viewers take away from your work?

HH: It would be nice if the work resonates with people in some special ways, and if they can enjoy it I’d be happy.

What’s your favorite pastime or aspect about being located in the Hamptons?

HH: I love the splendid natural-scape. We have quiet beaches and wonderful trails to hike. I’ve been enjoying growing vegetables and fruit trees. It’s nice to feel the rhythm of nature and see how lives emerge and make sense out of the intricacy in harmony.  

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

HH: I want to thank everyone who have been appreciating my work. Like I said, to me, it’s not just about me secluding in my studio doing whatever. I believe things can be different, and we have the vast universe outside of our immediate pile of obligations and necessities. If we can step out of all that and see things differently for a moment, I think that’s a good thing.

Head to the South Fork Natural History Museum in Bridgehampton any day from now through October 10^th to view Hiroyuki Hamada’s sculptural installation Matter on the Ground and take in the visceral beauty as art and nature interact with one another. For more information, visit the Parrish Road Show.

The post Hiroyuki Hamada Talks ‘Matter on the Ground’ Exhibition at 2023 Parrish Road Show appeared first on Hamptons.com.

So, whether you’re a Hamptons local, a vacationer on the East End, or are simply looking for the best local coffee spots in the area, we have a list of 10 must-try coffee shops for you.

The Hampton Coffee Company

With 6 Locations at:

732 Montauk Highway, Montauk

869 Montauk Highway, Water Mill

749 County Road 39A, Southampton

194 Mill Street, Westhampton Beach

272 Main Road, Aquebogue

235 Montauk Highway, Center Moriches

Hampton Coffee Company is the premier coffee spot of the Hamptons, and one of the earlier South Fork roasters opening their first location in Water Mill back in 1994.

They have become known as Long Island’s largest independent coffee roaster with their small chain of 6 locations. Hampton Coffee has a full menu of hot breakfast and lunch items, pastries, and of course tons of blends and specialty coffee, espresso, and tea drinks. They roll out monthly specialty food and drink items coinciding with holidays and seasons that are always thoughtfully curated and delicious! And bonus, they have an app where you can order ahead and collect points for rewards with each visit.

Sagtown Coffee

78 Main Street, Sag Harbor

Sagtown Coffee is right in the heart of Sag Harbor village with indoor and outdoor seating to enjoy a local cup of joe and a bite to eat. Founded in 2012 by Shane Dyckman, the vision was to create a local spot for the community and visitors to gather for exceptional coffee and specialty drinks.

They have now added breakfast and lunch offerings to their menu that includes acai bowls, smoothies, bagels, sandwiches, and more. This in addition to their unmatched La Colombe roasts, popular draft lattes, cold brews, and large tea selection makes Sagtown an essential visit for coffee lovers on the East End.

The Golden Pear

With 3 Locations at:

99 Main Street, Southampton

2426 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton

34 Newtown Lane, East Hampton

The Golden Pear may not be known as a coffee shop only, but it’s a signature Hamptons must when it comes to cafes, and the coffee bar and bakery section is a main attraction here. The Golden Pear has been around since 1987 with its first location opening in Southampton.

Visits to this café have been a long-time tradition among Hamptons crowds for more than 30 years—with good reason. When it comes to cafes with energetic ambiance, comfortable outdoor seating to enjoy people-watching on Hamptons main streets, and of course delicious eats and freshly brewed coffee, Golden Pear is the premier place to be on the East End!

Java Nation

112 Maple Lane, Bridgehampton

Originally located in Sag Harbor, Java Nation relocated to Bridgehampton several years back. Despite having opened in 1994 initially as one of the early South Fork roasters, Java Nation is more of a local kept secret when it comes to coffee shops of the Hamptons.

They’re not right in the center of town where visitors can stumble upon the industrial-looking space that is filled with local art, leather couches, and a large roaster in the backroom, but rather near the Bridgehampton train station where their loyal Sag Harbor patrons have followed as well as a new coffee-loving crowd in the know. There is no denying the local charm and delicious blends that could only be found at Java Nation.

Caffeine

115 Main Street, Westhampton Beach

Caffeine is located in the heart of Westhampton Beach, brewing La Colombe coffee daily. They offer creative blends and draft lattes, as well as an array of teas and bakery items.

As with many cafes now, they have a selection of non-dairy alternative milks, and Caffeine even offers pistachio milk, a rarity when it comes to milk options at cafes.

They are located in a small space right on Main Street with cozy seating next to the windows to take in the town as you enjoy your daily pick-me-up!

Grindstone Coffee & Donuts

74 Main Street, Sag Harbor

Grindstone Coffee & Donuts has been a staple of Sag Harbor since they opened in 2016. Known first and foremost for their donuts that are freshly made daily and take a minimum of 48 hours to create, their coffee is of the same high quality. Owner Kyle Sanderson says, “Everyone knows about our donuts, but people are always surprised to find out we have arguably the best coffee in the Hamptons.” Grindstone has a friendly and inviting atmosphere with unmatched customer service.

Their coffee menu consists of espresso, drip, cold brew, and more, and it is all made from single-origin, organic coffee beans that are roasted fresh in house. One of their most popular coffee menu items is their honey lavender latte, and another homemade delight at Grindstone that sets them apart from other local coffee shops is their renowned almond milk!

Tutto Café

55 Main Street, East Hampton

For those looking for a more upscale coffee establishment, particularly with the influences of Italy running strong, Tutto is the perfect café to unwind with a delicious organic coffee, espresso, cappuccino, or even wine and cocktails. Tutto offers delectable pastries, paninis, and savories that are authentically Italian.

The idea for this café came about in 2019 when Gianapaolo de Felice and David Mayer spent over a year learning the art of fine coffee and further developed their 100% organic coffee with a Neapolitan accent that is the signature of Tutto today.

Jack’s Stir Brew Coffee

With 2 Hamptons Locations at:

146 Montauk Highway, Amagansett

51 Division Street, Sag Harbor

For those city natives that come out to the Hamptons, Jack’s Stir Brew may be a familiar establishment. With 4 locations in NYC and 1 in Connecticut, Jack’s Amagansett and Sag Harbor locations are familiar and popular hubs among Hamptons crowds. Founded in 2003 by Jack Mazzola, the vision has always been to evoke a sense of community through high-quality and the best tasting organic coffee.

Unique for its patented Stir Brewer, a technique used to extract the fullest flavor, Jack’s also became New York City’s first 100% organic coffee shop and vegan bakery. When it comes to seeking out some of the finest coffee on the East End, Jack’s is the spot to be!

Left Hand Montauk Coffee Company

83 S Elmwood Avenue, Montauk

Left Hand is a locally owned roaster in Montauk serving up coffee from “the end.” They opened their doors in 2015 when owners Larry Siedlick and Yannis Papagianni took over the then coffee shop with the idea in mind that Montauk deserved a coffee spot that was as rich as the history of the town. Their blends are named after historical places and surf spots, and the beans are sourced from countries that are all well-known surf destinations (that is one activity that brings Montauk together after all, aside from coffee drinking!).

Ever since Left Hand opened, their coffee and culture has been embraced by locals and out-of-towners alike. The coffee is all organic, and blends like Lighthouse Espresso, Camp Hero Medium Roast, and more are available for purchase online. So, before you hit the surf this summer, be sure to stop in for a cup of Left Hand goodness!

The post The Best Coffee Shops in the Hamptons For a Perfect Brew appeared first on Hamptons.com.

The Montauk Yacht Club, a luxury seaside resort, will be hosting the first Surf Mobile Car Show this Sunday, September 17^th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Located at 32 Star Island Road in Montauk, the yacht club is the premier spot to hold onto the magic of summer in the Hamptons with this highly anticipated and brand-new event.

Montauk Yacht Club returned for the 2023 season, and they are keeping the East End summer alive even as we head into the fall. The resort is situated on a peninsula in the middle of Lake Montauk where they combine luxury and adventure with a deep connection to the water that brings us all together out East. Baxter Underwood, CEO of Safe Harbor Marinas, says, “The history of Montauk Yacht Club is as rich as the location is stunning. Our teammates in Montauk and throughout the country have been working to prepare for this moment. It is our great honor and joy to bring the Montauk Yacht Club back to Long Island, to her many patrons, and to our tens of thousands of boating families in the region.”

Montauk Yacht Club hosts this year’s Surf Mobile Car Show with the help of Whalebone, well-known and authentic lifestyle brand showcasing the essence of the East End. The mission of Whalebone has always been to explore and shed light onto the places and people that radiate positive vibes and authentic ways of living right at home on the East End. And The Surf Mobile Car Show is just the way to keep that positivity and distinctive lifestyle going!

Whalebone got their start back in 2010 originally making hand-printed T-shirts, where they then launched the magazine five years later, initially intended to be a limited-edition, fun summer project. Fast forward a few years, they now have Whalebone Radio, The Photo Contest, the Hot Sauce Company, and other fun and exciting concepts that are always popping up and taking the brand in new directions. Those over at Whalebone say, “Someone once called us ‘possibly the world’s ninth-best publication’ but we like to think we’re just a community of like-minded individuals who all believe that being delightfully disoriented and putting some fun into the world isn’t the worst way to spend some time.”

The Surf Mobile Car Show is sure to do just that by putting delight and fun into the world out East this Sunday. The event is rain or shine, and it will be held to support the Preserve Montauk Organization, which is a non-profit with a mission to preserve the environment, ecosystem, and combine the joy and adventure achieved from the sport of surfing with an appeal for high-performing automobiles.

The Concerned Citizens of Montauk organization has been advocating since 1970, and they have preserved more than 70% of Montauk’s lands successfully to-date. They are always working to protect this exclusive environment through education and the action taken by those in the community. The Concerned Citizens of Montauk has many programs and projects in place to clean up Montauk’s water, protect its beaches and coastline, and advocate for sustainable development. Through their water quality and monitoring, coastal assessments and planning, and sustainability projects they are able to foster this important mission and keep it going with the help of all those involved.

The Surf Mobile Car Show is an extension of everything it means to be part of this incredible community with a rich history. Guests are invited to submit a car, and the People’s Choice winner will receive a night’s stay at Montauk Yacht Club and a dinner for two at Showfish restaurant. The event has been made possible with support from sponsors and partners like Whalebone, Cynthia Rowley, Liquid Death, Happy Dad, Montauk Brewery, Hamptons Hobby Club, East Waves Co., and more.

The Surf Mobile Car Show event is sure to be a great time and bring everyone together, filled with authenticity and a love for the East End that can’t be duplicated.

For more information and to submit a car, visit the event page.

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Celestial Garden, an exhibition by Leo Villareal opened at Guild Hall on August 5^th in the newly renovated Marks Family Gallery South. Guild Hall is located at 158 Main Street in East Hampton, and this exhibition will be on view in the gallery until October 15^th.

The exhibition features the premiere of Villareal’s newest light sculpture: Celestial Garden. He uses computer-generated algorithms as his medium to create hypnotic light, grand-scale artworks. Villareal utilizes a custom computer software and complex coding for his designs, with an end result that is highly unique, creating light forms that move and transform. Celestial Garden is yet another fantastic feat in the light medium that will be displayed for two months exclusively at Guild Hall.

Celestial Garden is more than 10 feet tall and 28 feet wide, and it is made up of an array of LED lights that are dispersed through vinyl, making for a grand light sculpture. Zero-gravity chairs were designed by Villareal for viewers to sit in and immerse themselves more fully in the art. The light work was inspired by nature with its complex configurations and movement. The installation will not only capture the sense of sight, but sound as well. An ambient, tonal soundscape created and composed by Villareal will accompany the imagery for a truly immersive and sensory experience.

Leo Villareal is an artist based in New York City and the North Fork of Long Island. For thirty years, he has been crafting sequenced light artworks for museums and public spaces internationally; he has transformed iconic city landmarks with his vibrant installations. 

Villareal says, “I am honored to have an opportunity to exhibit my latest work, Celestial Garden, at Guild Hall. I very much appreciate Guild Hall’s history, which embraces a long-term interdisciplinary program as well as civically engaged interactions with the community. As a resident of Orient, NY, I am inspired by the deep creative legacy of arts on Long Island and am happy to be part of this legacy.”

Guild Hall is equally excited to welcome the New York-based artist. Melanie Crader, Director of Visual Arts at Guild Hall spoke about the anticipation and intricacies of the artist’s work, saying, “Villareal’s monumental, mural-sized light sculpture references the history of mark-making and painting, and will resonate with our visitors as artists have always been attracted to the East End of Long Island for its stunning natural light properties.”

Executive Director of Guild Hall, Andrea Grover, further discussed the cultural center’s excitement by noting, “We are thrilled to present Leo Villareal’s Celestial Garden. Villareal’s visionary techniques, combining experiential technology and light art, are aligned with Guild Hall’s mission to bring leading contemporary art to East Hampton. We are excited to share Leo’s immersive exhibition with our visitors in our new and improved gallery.”

Guild Hall can’t wait to welcome visitors to Leo Villareal: Celestial Garden, which will be on view in the Marks Family Gallery South from August 5^th through October 15^th of the 2023 season from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. Thursday to Sunday. Gallery hours differ after Labor Day, and starting September 4^th they will be open Friday to Monday, 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Head over to Guild Hall in East Hampton where admission is free and enjoy the immersive experience of Celestial Garden! To learn more, visit https://www.guildhall.org.

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