Gallery Title: Parrish Art Museum | Midsummer Dance 2024 Location: Parrish Art Museum, Water Mill, NY Date: Fri, Jul 12 2024 Photo Credit: Jason Lowrie/BFA.com Editor Credit: Jason Lowrie/BFA.com Copyright Owner: © BFA 2024
A Summer Night to Remember: The Parrish Art Museum’s 2024 Midsummer Dance and Dinner
co-chairs: Lucas Pilaro, Catherine Carmody; CJ Follini and Andrea Pemberton; and Charlotte Lucas Pilaro.
The Parrish Art Museum’s 2024 Midsummer Dance and Dinner was a spectacular affair, raising over $1 million to support the museum’s programs and education initiatives. The event, held over the weekend of July 12 and 13, drew over 650 attendees, including a mix of actors, artists, art collectors, curators, musicians, philanthropists, and business leaders from the Hamptons, New York City, and beyond.
As a journalist, art critic and attendee, I was privileged to witness firsthand the incredible energy and generosity that defined the evening. The event honored renowned artists KAWS, Sean Scully, and Shirin Neshat, as well as philanthropists Susan Pear Meisel and Louis K. Meisel. In a significant announcement during the gala, Louis and Susan Pear Meisel revealed their donation of the Sagaponack Sculpture Field to the Parrish Art Museum. This nearly two-acre field in Sagaponack, New York, is home to 20 sculptures by artists such as Audrey Flack and Kenneth Snelson. This generous gift ensures the continued legacy and support of the museum, a sentiment echoed by the museum’s Executive Director, Dr. Mónica Ramírez-Montagut.
“The gift of the Sagaponack Sculpture Field is a tremendous contribution and a transformative gift for the Museum. Lou and Susan Meisel are true friends of the Parrish and have helped to make the Parrish sustainable, viable, and incredibly relevant for many generations to come,” said Dr. Ramírez-Montagut.
The annual benefit event kicked off with a warm welcome from Dr. Ramírez-Montagut, who acknowledged the honorees and introduced the Parrish Trustees and Dinner Co-Chairs: Catherine Carmody, CJ Follini, Andrea Pemberton, and Charlotte Lucas Pilaro. The evening’s awards were presented by Dr. Ramírez-Montagut to the honored artists and philanthropists, while Rachael White Young of Christie’s led a paddle raise to support the museum’s initiatives.
Among the notable guests were artists such as Alice Aycock, Tony Bechara, Sanford Biggers, Julia Chiang, Arcmanoro Niles, Liliane Tomasko, Ralph Gibson, Eddie Martinez, Sam Moyer, Jose Parla, Hank Willis Thomas, Enoc Perez, David Smalling, Jeremy Dennis, Futura, Nina Yankowitz, and philanthropist Veronica Atkins. Other distinguished attendees included Joey Wölffer, Chief Brand Officer and Co-Owner of Wölffer Estate Vineyard, and Marc Perez, President of Bank of America Long Island. Actress Stephanie March and Trustee Nina Sarin Arias, Founder and Creative Director of ARIAS, New York, added a touch of glamour to the event.
The evening began in the Meadow with a cocktail reception, where guests were greeted by Alexandra Stanton, Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees, and her husband Sam Natapoff, along with Frederic Seegal, Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees, and his wife Robin Seegal. The event’s atmosphere was both elegant and vibrant, with the perfect balance of formal recognition and joyful celebration.
Dr. Ramírez-Montagut took a moment to honor the recent passing of Dorothy Lichtenstein and Audrey Flack. “Dorothy Lichtenstein, a Parrish Art Museum Life Trustee, whose elegance, grace, enthusiasm, and generous support transformed the lives of many artists, propelled many exhibitions into success, and positively impacted many cultural organizations, had an indelible impact on the Parrish, the East End, New York, and the art world at large. Audrey Flack, whose many talents led her to explore photorealism, then figurative-classical sculpture, and most recently post-pop baroque aesthetics, plus she loved to play the banjo! This past year, we worked closely with Audrey on an exhibition still slated for this upcoming October when we will have the opportunity to pay proper homage to this great force.”
The museum is planning “Audrey Flack: Mid-Century to Post-Pop Baroque,” a career-spanning exhibition celebrating Flack’s work, set to open on October 13.
Anna Lotterud
Angel, Dren
The Midsummer Dance on July 12 featured performances by DJs Angel + Dren, DJ Anna of the North, and members of the Parsons Dance troupe. Co-Chairs Laurence Milstein and Kendall Werts welcomed guests to a night of dancing on the terrace, with hors d’oeuvres and desserts by Canard, Inc., and decor by event designer OVANDO.
The Parrish Art Museum’s commitment to the arts was further highlighted by the Summer Solo Exhibitions, showcasing works by KAWS, Eddie Martinez, Sam Moyer, and Julia Chiang. These exhibitions demonstrate the museum’s dedication to contemporary art and its role in the vibrant cultural scene of the Hamptons.
Founded in 1897, the Parrish Art Museum has a rich history of celebrating American art. Its current location, designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron, opened in 2012 and features stunning park-like grounds with views of Duck Walk Vineyards.
This year’s Midsummer Weekend not only celebrated artistic excellence but also emphasized the importance of supporting the museum’s educational and community programs. The funds raised will benefit “Access Parrish,” a community partner program providing artmaking, movement workshops, and gallery tours for adults and children with special needs.
A Summer of Artistic Brilliance at the Parrish Art Museum
The Parrish Art Museum proudly presents its Summer Solo Exhibitions featuring the remarkable works of KAWS, Eddie Martinez, Sam Moyer, and Julia Chiang. These exhibitions highlight the museum’s commitment to showcasing contemporary art and fostering a vibrant cultural scene in the Hamptons.
A Rich History and Stunning Grounds
Founded in 1897, the Parrish Art Museum has a storied history of celebrating American art and artists. Designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron, its current location opened in 2012 for $26.2 million. The museum’s design integrates seamlessly with its surroundings, featuring wild park-like grounds and breathtaking views of Duck Walk Vineyards.
Parrish Art Museum, Water Mill, NY Fri, Jul 12 2024 Photo Credit: Jason Lowrie/BFA.com Editor Credit: Jason Lowrie/BFA.com Copyright Owner: © BFA 2024
Bracie Aston, Cole Kosarin
Bracie Aston, Cole Kosarin Photo credit: Jason Lowrie/BFA
A Night to Remember: Shadow and Light Event
On the evening of Friday, July 15th, The Parrish Art Museum hosted the “Shadow and Light” event, a luminous celebration of art, food, music, and dance. The Midsummer Dance event was a magical night that captivated over 300 guests, including celebrated artists, influential patrons of the arts, and prominent figures from the fashion and entertainment industries. Notable attendees included art collector Larry Walsh, philanthropist Sarah Arison, and fashion icon Michi Jigarjian.
Maximilian Eicke
Culinary Delights by Canard Inc.
The renowned Canard Inc. provided catering for the evening and delivered an exquisite culinary experience. Guests indulged in various delectable hors d’oeuvres, including freshly shucked oysters, ceviche stations with salmon and tuna served over rice, and a selection of fresh farm vegetables. The bar offered a curated selection of fine wines from the famous Wolffer Estate Vineyards in Bridgehampton, as well as signature cocktails and premium spirits.
Zoe Anderson, Joe Cyransky
Art, Dance, and Music
The event occurred in the museum’s expansive outdoor space, overlooking lush green landscapes and the picturesque Duck Walk Vineyards. A stunning dance performance mesmerized the audience, followed by a famous DJ who kept the energy high with an eclectic mix of tunes—the evening also featured an exceptional musical performance by Anna of the North, whose ethereal voice and captivating stage presence left everyone spellbound.
Jonah Almost, Diogo Corte-Real
Jason Lowrie/BFA.com
Gallery Opening and Exclusive Exhibitions
One of the highlights of the evening was the gallery opening, where guests had the exclusive opportunity to view the latest exhibitions. The museum’s expansive galleries showcased impressive works by KAWS, Eddie Martinez, Sam Moyer, and Julia Chiang.
Eddie Martinez:
Eddie Martinez: Buflies (June 30–September 29, 2024) Eddie Martinez’s “Buflies” series brings vibrant, large-scale paintings to life with a joyful explosion of color and texture. Inspired by his son’s fascination with butterflies, Martinez combines figuration and abstraction, capturing the wonder and innocence of childhood.
Sam Moyer:
Sam Moyer: Ferns Teeth (June 30–September 29, 2024) Sam Moyer’s “Ferns Teeth” explores her relationship with material and light through large-scale stone paintings, sculptural photographs, and representational wall works. Moyer’s evocative abstract works balance humor, beauty, and chance, inviting viewers to experience the physicality of her materials.
KAWS:
TIME OFF
(July 14–October 13, 2024) KAWS, a Brooklyn-based contemporary artist, is known for his graphic style and iconic characters. His work spans various mediums, including painting, sculpture, drawing, installation, and product design. The exhibition features never-before-seen paintings and an unprecedented showing of eleven human-scale sculptures. This exhibition continues the Parrish Art Museum’s legacy of presenting American artists at the forefront of new creative languages and global art movements. This survey exhibition, the first in the East End, explores KAWS’ dynamic range of visual vocabulary and diverse artistic output over the last decade, highlighting his consistent engagement with American popular culture while intentionally exploring boundaries and overlaps
between different genres and across mediums. TIME OFF is curated by Executive Director Mónica Ramírez-Montagut, with additional support from Brianna L. Hernández, Assistant Curator.
The exhibition is made possible, in part, thanks to the generous support of Bank of
America; Dior; Skarstedt, New York; Lisa and Mitchell Green; and a donor who wishes
to remain Anonymous.
Julia Chiang:
The Glows and the Blows (July 14–October 13, 2024) is Julia Chiang’s first solo museum exhibition, showcasing new paintings and ceramics. Her work often references the body, both physically and psychologically, creating introspective pieces that explore internal and external pressures, fragility, and strength. The Parrish presented the first-ever solo museum exhibition by painter Julia Chiang.
The artist presented new, large-scale paintings and ceramics. Chiang’s painterly process is slow and controlled while spontaneous. Organic shapes coalesce on the picture plane in varying densities of paint and with fervor, scrimmage for territory. She operates in the realm of abstractions, but the body is the basis for her allegories, metaphors, and explorations. The Glows and The Blows is made possible, in part, thanks to the generous support of Sarah Arison; Michi Jigarjian; Wolf Kahn Foundation; Nicola
Vassell Gallery; Miyoung Lee and Neil Simpkins; and Karen and Dennis Mehiel.
The Importance of Summer Solo Exhibitions
The Summer Solo Exhibitions at the Parrish Art Museum emphasize the Hamptons’ long-standing tradition as a creative haven for artists. From Herman Cherry to Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning, the East End has always been a place for artistic creation and inspiration.
Irina Kro Eicke
Kendall Werts
Lilah Ramzi, Larry Milstein
Celebrating Creativity and Community
The “Shadow and Light” event was more than just a party; it celebrated creativity, community, and the transformative power of art. The evening’s success was a testament to the museum’s commitment to hosting events that entertain, inspire, and connect people through the universal language of art. Guests are left with memories of an unforgettable evening, eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to gather and celebrate at this cherished cultural institution.
Sharareh Siadat
Acknowledgments and Future Prospects
Special thanks to the Board of Trustees and the Parrish staff for making this spectacular event possible and their dedication to preserving the importance of art education and museum exhibits in the Hamptons. The Parrish Art Museum’s programs are supported by the New York State Council on the Arts, Governor Kathy Hochul, and the New York State Legislature, as well as the property taxpayers from the Southampton and Tuckahoe Common School Districts.
Art is a source of inspiration and a significant contributor to the economy. The global art market generates substantial revenue, and corporate art collections align with brand identities, highlighting the importance of art in business and culture. The event’s 300-400 attendees, dressed in Chanel, Louis Vuitton, POTRO, Dior, Tom Ford, Gucci, and Zegna, showcased the intersection of fashion and art, adding to the event’s sophisticated ambiance.
Conclusion
The Parrish Art Museum continues to be a beacon of artistic excellence and cultural celebration in the Hamptons. This summer, immerse yourself in the vibrant artistry of KAWS, Eddie Martinez, Sam Moyer, and Julia Chiang, and experience the transformative power of art at the Parrish Art Museum.
CONTACT:
Melanie Tolan | Tolanm@parrishart.org
Rachel Judlowe | rachel@judlowe.com
Comments, questions, or feedback? Could you email me at jdeacetis@gmail.com?
About the Author:
Joseph DeAcetis covers the intersections of style, culture, art, and fashion, particularly emphasizing menswear’s evolving status. Throughout his career, he has written award-winning columns for Esquire, People Magazine, Robb Report, and Playboy.
Most recently, he served as a creative fashion director for Forbes Media as a critic and reporter. He has written widely on the importance of dressing for success and how technological advancements have influenced the business of fashion in the twenty-first century. A Professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, his most recent role is editor at StyleLujo.com and the launch of his LATINX menswear brand POTRO.
Save Article
